US Congress Releases Compromise Version of Fiscal 2026 Defense Bill
Lawmakers set stage for passage as $890-billion defence bill moves through fast track legislative vehicle
US, Dec 08 : Congressional leaders on Sunday released the compromise version of the fiscal 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), setting up a crucial vote later this week on the annual defence legislation that has remained a cornerstone of US national-security policy for more than six decades.
The bill authorises over $890 billion for Pentagon operations and Department of Energy nuclear weapons programmes, according to the text shared with reporters roughly $8 billion more than the Trump administration had requested. To expedite approval, lawmakers have inserted the full NDAA text into an unrelated Senate bill, S.1071, which will serve as the legislative vehicle for fast-tracked passage.
Bill moves toward House vote amid bipartisan pressure
The compromise marks the final phase of the 2026 defence-authorisation cycle, during which House and Senate committees advanced separate drafts before negotiating a unified version. Despite partisan disputes, the NDAA has passed every year for 64 years an unbroken streak congressional leaders cite as proof of enduring bipartisan consensus on national defence.
The House is expected to vote later this week, with the Senate likely to follow soon after to maintain the long-standing record.
NDAA 2026 carries expansive defence, nuclear and Indo-Pacific policy directives
Beyond its topline budget, the NDAA remains the principal policy instrument for nearly all areas of US defence planning, including:
Pentagon spending and modernization
Department of Energy nuclear programmes
Personnel authorizations and benefits
Intelligence and cybersecurity provisions
Broad sets of policy directives and reporting requirements
The legislation also reinforces US strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, shaping force structure, exercises, and security cooperation areas directly relevant to the expanding India–US defence partnership.
Fast track strategy ensures year end passage
Using S.1071 as the legislative shell is a procedural move now common in Congress, enabling swift substitution of the full NDAA text into a bill already cleared for floor action. This approach is expected to ensure timely passage before year end legislative deadlines.
Once enacted, the NDAA 2026 defence bill will update statutory authorities across the Pentagon and State Department, strengthening Washington’s ability to execute long-term defence and Indo-Pacific strategies.
