The Senate just cleared a 3,000-page defense bill that sets $901 billion in spending for fiscal 2026, a record haul that tops the Trump administration’s request by $8 billion.
Senate Clears Record-Setting Defense Bill
On Wednesday, senators voted 77-20 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual package that determines defense priorities and authorizes spending for the Department of Defense and national security programs. The bipartisan measure, more than 3,000 pages long, authorizes a record $901 billion for fiscal 2026.
The bill contains a nearly 4 percent pay increase for military service members and improvements to military housing. It also authorizes $400 million in aid for Ukraine over the next two years and imposes a restriction on U.S. investment in China.
A provision in the NDAA would withhold a portion of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget until he turns over unedited footage of U.S. military strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and copies of the orders behind those operations.
Key Provisions and Spending
The legislation also sets limits on U.S. troop levels in Europe. It would prevent the Pentagon from reducing the number of U.S. service members permanently stationed or deployed in Europe to fewer than 76,000 for more than 45 days, unless the Defense Department can confirm that NATO allies were consulted and that the reduction is in the U.S. interest. The bill also blocks the U.S. European Commander from relinquishing the role of NATO Supreme Commander.
The NDAA repeals the 1991 and 2002 authorizations of the use of military force for the Gulf and Iraq wars, which have been used by past presidents to enter conflicts in the Middle East. It also bars the U.S. government from cutting off intelligence aid to Ukraine unless a 48-hour notice explains why the support is cut, how it would impact Kyiv, and how long it will last.
Reforms and Oversight Measures
“This NDAA will make the most significant reforms to the way the Pentagon does business in a generation,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on the floor Tuesday morning. “These reforms will make our military stronger, more agile and more ready for whatever the mission may be, and that needs to be our mission here – to do whatever it takes to support American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and guardians.”
“We ask a lot of the brave Americans serving in uniform, and they give a lot, and I’m proud that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act will help ensure that they have what they need to keep America safe in a dangerous world,” Thune added.
The bill also contains a provision that would require military training aircraft to signal their location to air traffic controllers. The requirement could be waived by the secretary of Transportation and the head of an individual military branch. Lawmakers deemed the language insufficient, and Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) filed an amendment to address the provision.
The amendment did not make it into the final version because any change would have sent the bill back to the House for another vote, something lawmakers wanted to avoid. Instead, a bill proposed by Cruz – the ROTOR Act – is expected to either be attached to the five-bill spending package the Senate hopes to pass before the Christmas break or to be voted on separately.
Congressional Dynamics and House Passage
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) last week was forced to offer concessions to a number of House conservatives in order to win their support on a procedural vote to advance the package. The final passage in the lower chamber was easier, with a bipartisan 312-112 vote.
The Senate had fewer issues, but still had to clear a couple of last-minute headaches. Chief among them was the push by lawmakers to beef up language concerning the restriction of military aircraft travel around Reagan Washington National Airport.
The Senate Commerce Committee’s amendment was rejected to avoid a return to the House, but the issue was resolved by including the ROTOR Act in the broader spending package.
Aviation Safety and Additional Legislation
The ROTOR Act, aimed at boosting aviation safety, is expected to be attached to the five-bill spending package the Senate hopes to pass before the Christmas break or to receive a stand-alone vote. The act would address the recent domestic flight incident that collided with an Army helicopter and left 67 people dead.
The inclusion of the ROTOR Act demonstrates the Senate’s willingness to incorporate additional safety measures while keeping the NDAA’s core provisions intact.
Key Takeaways
- The Senate approved a $901 billion NDAA, a record amount that exceeds the Trump administration’s request by $8 billion.
- The bill raises pay for service members, improves housing, authorizes $400 million in Ukraine aid, and imposes limits on U.S. troop reductions in Europe.
- It repeals Gulf and Iraq war authorizations, bars cuts to Ukraine intelligence aid, and adds new aviation safety provisions.
The passage of the NDAA marks a significant moment in defense policy, setting new priorities and oversight measures that will shape U.S. military operations for the coming year.
