S 1071: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Congress: 119 · Status: passed · Israel/Palestine classification: bundled package

Data (JSON) — machine-readable record of this bill (identifiers, sponsor, classification, actions, and the member-by-member vote breakdown).

Official record on Congress.gov — full text, actions, and cosponsor history for S 1071.

Sponsor: Cornyn, John (R-Texas)

Summary

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2026 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill also sets forth policies and authorities for the Department of State, the Coast Guard, and the Intelligence Community (IC). Among other elements, the bill authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles; sets active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels; sets policy regarding various aspects of military health care and military compensation; sets policy regarding DOD acquisitions and acquisition management, including contracting authorities and domestic sourcing; sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including matters concerning Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific; sets policy for various matters related to DOD cyber operations, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence; authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years; authorizes the National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Naval Petroleum Reserves, and Maritime Administration; sets policy regarding the organization and workforce of the State Department; sets acquisition and personnel policy for the Coast Guard;  sets policy for merchant mariner credentials, vessel safety, and oil pollution response; and sets policy for the IC regarding artificial intelligence and biotechnology. For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA , and In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process .

Editorial Explainer

This bill authorizes Department of Defense spending and policy for fiscal year 2026, covering military personnel levels, weapons procurement (aircraft, ships, missiles), military health care and compensation, and acquisition rules. It also sets defense policy on foreign relations including Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific, plus policies on cyber operations, artificial intelligence, military construction, and authorities for the State Department, Coast Guard, and intelligence agencies.

Why it matters

The NDAA is the primary vehicle for Congress to set defense policy and authorize military aid to allies. Provisions affecting Israel—whether on military assistance, arms sales restrictions, or conditions on security cooperation—appear in this bill and shape the legal framework for US-Israel defense ties.

Cosponsors (1)

Roll-call votes (533)