Skip to main content
EnglishEspañol

All bills

Annual defense policy bill sets 2026 military spending limits and rules

Signed into lawS. 1071Latest action

Sponsor: John Cornyn · Senator · TX

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
Read the official text

Official title: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

119th Congress

Topics: Security & foreign affairs

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

The 2026 defense policy bill sets spending limits and rules for the military but does not itself distribute funds.

45-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill, the National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, sets policy and spending limits for the military and national security agencies, covering equipment like ships, aircraft, weapons, and drones, plus troop levels, base construction, and pay and benefits. It also includes sections on the State Department, intelligence agencies, the Coast Guard, and programs like nuclear weapons, missile defense, and cybersecurity.

Who does it affect?

It affects active-duty troops, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, military families, veterans, and DoD civilian employees. Defense contractors and allies like Israel, Taiwan, Ukraine, and NATO countries are also affected.

Why does it matter?

The bill shapes military readiness, personnel policy, and defense industry rules, while actual funding is decided separately in bills.

What does it cost, and who pays?

  • Sets spending limits, not actual funds
  • Covers ships, jets, drones, bases
  • Separate bills provide the money

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

No call to make

This is law.

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedMar 14, 2025
  2. Senate committee
  3. Senate vote
  4. House
  5. The president's desk

Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law

Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-60.

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. Senate · · Roll call 648

    As recorded

    Question
    On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1071)
    Result:
    Motion Agreed to
    77
    Nay
    20
    0
    3

    Republicans 49 yes, 2 no, 2 not voting · Democrats 27 yes, 17 no, 1 not voting · Independents 1 yes, 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. Senate · · Roll call 647

    As recorded

    Question
    On the Motion S. 1071
    Result:
    Cloture Motion Agreed to
    76
    Nay
    20
    0
    4

    Republicans 48 yes, 3 no, 2 not voting · Democrats 27 yes, 16 no, 2 not voting · Independents 1 yes, 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  3. Senate · · Roll call 646

    As recorded

    Question
    On the S. 1071
    Result:
    Motion to Proceed Agreed to
    75
    Nay
    22
    0
    3

    Republicans 46 yes, 4 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 28 yes, 17 no · Independents 1 yes, 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

2 earlier votes

  1. House · · Roll call 320

    As recorded

    Question
    On Passage
    Result:
    Passed
    312
    Nay
    112
    0
    9

    Republicans 197 yes, 18 no, 5 not voting · Democrats 115 yes, 94 no, 4 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. House · · Roll call 319

    As recorded

    Question
    On Motion to Commit
    Result:
    Failed
    209
    Nay
    216
    0
    8

    Republicans 216 no, 4 not voting · Democrats 209 yes, 4 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

Share this bill

Share on WhatsApp