Senate advances $925 billion Pentagon funding authorization bill
The Senate has put forth a substantial package to provide funding for the Pentagon, marking the first legislative action since returning from August recess. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was advanced by lawmakers in an 84 to 14 vote, showing bipartisan support for the bill.
Unlike previous versions of the bill, this year’s NDAA focuses on military contracting reforms and addresses the Pentagon’s inability to pass an audit in recent years. It also includes a pay raise for service members and extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2028 with an authorized funding increase to $500 million.
Despite the bipartisan support for the bill, it authorizes approximately 3% more funding for the Pentagon compared to last year’s NDAA. This increase comes at a time when both the GOP and the White House are looking to cut costs in government spending.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair, Roger Wicker, emphasized the importance of the bill in the current threat environment, stating that the U.S. is facing the most dangerous threats since World War II. The bill aims to prioritize reindustrialization and the rebuilding of the country’s defense capabilities.
The Senate and House have presented competing versions of the bill, with the Senate’s version allocating nearly $925 billion in defense spending. The House version, on the other hand, comes in at just over $848 billion, aligning more closely with the Pentagon’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year.
Overall, the NDAA is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of the American people. Both parties have worked together to prioritize the defense needs of the nation and address the evolving global security landscape. The House is expected to consider their version of the bill in the coming week, further advancing the legislation to support the nation’s defense efforts.
