WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate on Wednesday approved the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sending a sweeping defense policy bill to President Donald Trump’s desk after a bipartisan 77–20 vote.
The more than 3,000-page measure authorizes defense and national security priorities for fiscal year 2026 and sets a record $901 billion in military spending—about $8 billion more than the Trump administration requested. The bill includes a nearly 4% pay raise for service members, funding for military housing improvements, and new limits on U.S. investment tied to China.
The legislation also provides $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine over the next two years and adds guardrails around U.S. intelligence support to Kyiv. Under one provision, the government would be required to give 48 hours’ notice and justification before cutting off intelligence aid, including how long any pause would last and its potential impact.
In a notable shift, the NDAA repeals the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force related to the Gulf and Iraq wars, authorities that have been cited by multiple administrations for military actions in the Middle East. The bill further restricts the Pentagon from reducing U.S. troop levels in Europe below 76,000 for extended periods without consulting NATO allies, and blocks relinquishing the NATO Supreme Commander role.
Senate leaders hailed the bill as a major Pentagon reform package, while lawmakers opted to leave out last-minute aviation safety changes to avoid sending the legislation back to the House. The House passed its version last week by a wide bipartisan margin, clearing the way for final enactment.
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