SASC Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Reed Commend Final Passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the United States Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 by a vote of 77-20.

An up-to-date Executive Summary of the FY26 NDAA can be viewed here

The full text of the FY26 NDAA can be viewed here

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker released the following statement praising Senate passage of the legislation:

“Not since the era of World War II has our nation faced an axis of aggressors across multiple theaters seeking to dismantle American influence. The bill we now send to the president’s desk is a reflection of that reality and an appropriate response.

“In this NDAA, my colleagues and I have prioritized the structural rebuilding of the arsenal of democracy and returning the department to its warfighting mission. Crucially, it also contains the most sweeping upgrades to the Pentagon's business practices in 60 years—a watershed moment for our military.

“The bill sets us on a path to modernize our defense capabilities and augment our drone manufacturing, shipbuilding efforts, and the development of innovative low-cost weapons.

“Thanks to the partnership and bipartisan support from Ranking Member Reed, and that of all members who worked to improve this bill, our military will be better prepared to meet the challenges ahead.”

Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed also commented on the bill:

“We face significant national security challenges, but this NDAA makes meaningful progress toward meeting them. It enhances military readiness, supports servicemembers and their families, modernizes combat platforms, and invests in critical technologies. The bill bolsters America's posture against competitors, reinforces alliances across Europe and the Indo-Pacific, and ensures sustained support for key partners. It positions the Department of Defense to adapt to evolving threats while maintaining robust Congressional oversight.

“I thank Chairman Wicker and our colleagues for their partnership, and I urge the President to swiftly sign this bill.”

Highlights of the FY26 NDAA include:

• Directs historic reforms of the Pentagon’s budgeting and acquisition processes for innovation. Adopting key provisions of the FORGED Act that prioritize commercial acquisition, eliminate bureaucracy and statutory barriers, support portfolio management, and expand the industrial base, particularly for commercial companies and startups.
• Drastically expands Industrial Base Fund authorities to accelerate reindustrialization in America and regain global defense manufacturing dominance.
• Dramatically enhances the authority for the military to protect our troops, facilities, and large events against small drone threats across the country.
• Authorizes funding to support a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members.
• Reaffirms America's global role by extending the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, fully funding the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, providing new authorities for cooperation with Taiwan, strengthening activities relating to AUKUS, and prohibiting unapproved reductions in U.S. force posture in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
• Creates a senior-level Defense Property Management Office to fix unacceptable outcomes for military families during the moving process.
• Expands Navy fleet and funds wage improvements for conventional surface shipbuilders (destroyers, amphibious ships, and more).
• Includes the BioSecure Act, which will prevent U.S. support for Chinese biotechnology companies who steal American intellectual property and engage in dangerous research.

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