The House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act Bill for 2026, authorizing nearly $900 billion. Learn about the key provisions, bipartisan support, and controversy within the National Defense Authorization Act Bill 2026.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act, sending the defense bill to the Senate for final approval. The NDAA 2026 approves nearly $900 billion for defense and gives troops a pay raise.
Key Provisions and Bipartisan Passage
The massive National Defense Authorization Act Bill passed with strong bipartisan support. Central provisions include a 3.8% pay increase for military personnel and significant policy directives concerning U.S. alliances and military posture.
The bill limits the executive branch’s power to reduce U.S. troops in Europe and South Korea. It also locks in several border security orders and ends some military diversity programs.
Oversight and Controversial Exemptions
A key oversight element in the National Defense Authorization Act Bill 2026 increases pressure on the Pentagon to provide Congress with video evidence of military strikes, specifically referencing controversial actions in the Caribbean. This provision aims to enhance legislative oversight of military operations.
However, the bill has drawn sharp condemnation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Chair Jennifer Homendy criticized a section that exempts military aircraft from using modern position-broadcasting tech. Homendy argued this would undermine critical safety improvements implemented after a deadly mid-air collision earlier in the year, calling the language a “safety whitewash.”
Path Forward and Political Negotiations
The passage followed intense negotiations within the majority party. A handful of holdouts agreed to support the bill after securing commitments from leadership to address future legislation concerning foreign aid oversight, stock trading by members of Congress, and digital currency policy.
With House approval secured, the National Defense Authorization Act Bill now moves to the Senate. The White House supports the legislation and expects the president to sign it into law once it clears the final congressional hurdle.
FAQs
The National Defense Authorization Act Bill is annual legislation that sets the policy agenda and authorizes funding levels for the U.S. Department of Defense and national security programs.
The National Defense Authorization Act Bill 2026 authorizes nearly $900 billion in defense spending for the upcoming fiscal year.
Key features include a 3.8% military pay raise, limits on reducing troops in Europe and Asia, enhanced oversight of military strikes, and the elimination of certain military diversity programs. It has also drawn criticism for potentially rolling back aviation safety rules.
The bill has been passed by the House of Representatives. It now awaits a vote in the Senate before being sent to the President to be signed into law.
The NTSB chair opposes a provision that would exempt some military aircraft from broadcasting their position with modern technology, warning it recreates unsafe conditions that led to a fatal collision and undermines aviation safety.
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