The Senate has successfully passed the $914 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026, ending a gridlock that had delayed the bill’s progress for over a month. The final vote was 77-20, showcasing a significant bipartisan effort among lawmakers.
Key Aspects of the NDAA Passage
The approval of the NDAA allows the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to initiate the conference process. This stage will involve reconciling the different versions of the bill passed by each chamber. The House had previously passed its own NDAA version in the prior month.
Amendments Debated and Passed
- Senators engaged in extensive debate over 17 amendments prior to the bill’s passage.
- One significant amendment, proposed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, aimed to prevent the modification of a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar into a new Air Force One.
- Some committee members voiced that the amendment could impact critical Air Force programs.
- Republicans rejected several amendments aimed at limiting National Guard deployments and providing restrictions on military collaboration with law enforcement.
- A bipartisan amendment, spearheaded by Senators Tom Cotton and Kirsten Gillibrand, enhanced Defense Department authorities against drone threats.
This amendment responds to the increasing presence of drones near military sites, including sensitive areas like Langley Air Force Base. Gillibrand emphasized the need for improved legal authority to protect military personnel and installations.
Provisions Regarding Military Equipment
Another approved measure extends the prohibition on retiring B-1 bombers until the end of fiscal year 2030. This ensures a seamless transition to the new B-21 Raider bomber program, as stated by Senator John Cornyn of Texas.
Goals for the Conference Process
As the NDAA progresses to the conference phase, both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will prioritize defining final language concerning acquisition reform. This topic has been a significant focus for both committees in this legislative cycle.
Additionally, the two chambers must reconcile the considerable differences in funding levels. The Senate’s version of the NDAA has an additional $32 billion compared to the Pentagon’s budget request, along with the House’s version.
Although the NDAA does not allocate funding directly, its financial figures could significantly impact upcoming discussions concerning defense spending, especially with the Senate Appropriations Committee’s additional $22 billion on top of the original request.
