On Sunday evening, the draft version of the compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was released, highlighting an increase in funding for the Pentagon. The proposed budget is approximately $8 billion over the initial request made by the Defense Department, a figure that represents a middle ground between differing House and Senate proposals.
Details of the Compromise NDAA
The House version maintained the Defense Department’s original budget request, while the Senate proposed an increase of $32 billion. Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed hope that the $8 billion figure could serve as a tentative target for committee negotiations. He indicated the final budget would depend on the appropriators’ deliberations.
Key Funding Allocations
- Shipbuilding: $26 billion
- Aircraft: $38 billion
- Ground Vehicles: $4 billion
- Munitions: $25 billion
- F/A-XX Fighter Program: Full funding for the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter effort
The F/A-XX program has faced challenges, particularly during the Trump administration, making this funding particularly significant.
Strategic Provisions
Section 1249 introduces measures to restrict the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Europe. It requires the U.S. Department of Defense to submit specific certifications to Congress 60 days before reducing troop levels below 76,000 in the European Command’s oversight area. The section also prohibits any attempts to return land or facilities controlled by EUCOM to host countries or to resign from NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander role.
Additional Initiatives
The NDAA allocates an additional $400 million to extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Furthermore, it abolishes the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) regarding Iraq. Notably absent from the NDAA is any language to officially rename the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” a title supported by some including the former president and the current Defense Secretary.
This compromise NDAA is set to shape the future of U.S. defense funding and military strategy, with critical implications for both domestic and international security.
