WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, a sweeping policy bill that directs funding and sets operational guidelines for the U.S. military.

• Massive Spending Blueprint – The House version of the bill authorizes approximately $925 billion for national defense, including funding for a service member pay raise and major weapons systems procurement.
• Contentious Policy Riders – The legislation includes numerous amendments on divisive social issues, such as diversity programs and healthcare access, which have become central points of conflict in the debate.
• Must-Pass Legislation – The NDAA has been passed by Congress for over 60 consecutive years, making it a critical piece of legislation and a prime vehicle for lawmakers to attach unrelated policy priorities.

This annual bill is one of the few major pieces of legislation that reliably becomes law, turning its journey through Congress into a high-stakes process. The debate reveals not only the country’s defense priorities but also the broader political battles shaping Washington.

Why the NDAA Is More Than a Budget

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the primary legislative mechanism through which Congress exercises its constitutional authority to oversee the armed forces. While it does not appropriate funds—a separate process handled by appropriations committees—it authorizes spending levels and dictates how that money can be used. This makes it a powerful tool for shaping everything from military pay scales to global strategic posture.

The bill’s “must-pass” nature gives it immense legislative gravity. Because failing to pass the NDAA could be perceived as failing to support the troops and national security, it almost always finds a path to the president’s desk. This reliability makes it an attractive target for lawmakers aiming to enact policies that might not pass as standalone bills.

The Battle Over Policy Amendments

In recent years, the NDAA has become a flashpoint for partisan fights over social and cultural issues. The fiscal year 2026 bill continues this trend, with dozens of proposed amendments that are unrelated to core defense functions. What are these amendments trying to change?

Debates are expected to be most intense around riders seeking to:

• Restrict Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense.
• Limit access to healthcare, such as prohibiting the military from funding travel for service members seeking abortions.
• Introduce policies related to transgender service members and gender-affirming care.

Proponents of these riders argue they are necessary to eliminate “woke” policies and refocus the military on its primary mission of warfighting. Opponents, including some senior military officials, contend that these measures harm recruitment, retention, and morale by politicizing the armed forces and discriminating against certain personnel.

What the Bill Funds: Hardware and Paychecks

Beyond the political clashes, the substance of the NDAA outlines the Pentagon’s investment priorities. The 2026 bill directs significant funding toward modernizing the U.S. military to address strategic competition with powers like China and Russia. Key provisions include:

• A Pay Raise: The bill authorizes a pay raise for all military service members, a standard and popular feature.
• Next-Generation Weaponry: It allocates billions for the procurement and development of advanced systems, including the B-21 Raider stealth bomber built by Northrop Grumman and the continued development of the Next Generation Air Dominance fighter.
• Naval and Nuclear Forces: The legislation continues substantial investment in shipbuilding and the modernization of the nation’s nuclear triad, primarily through funding for the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program led by General Dynamics’ Electric Boat.
• F-35 Fighter Jets: The bill also includes provisions for the purchase of additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from Lockheed Martin.

These investments signal a long-term strategic focus on maintaining a technological edge over potential adversaries.

From House Vote to Final Law: The Path Ahead

The upcoming vote is just one step in a lengthy process. Once the House passes its version of the NDAA, it must be reconciled with the version passed by the Senate. A conference committee, composed of members from both chambers, will negotiate a compromise bill.

This conference process is often where the most controversial policy riders are stripped out. To build a final bill that can pass both the House and Senate and earn a presidential signature, negotiators typically prioritize the core defense provisions and discard the most divisive amendments. The outcome of this process will determine the final shape of U.S. defense policy for the coming year.