The Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act, allocating $851.9 billion in discretionary funding for U.S. military operations and priorities. The bill passed with a vote of 26-3.
Senator Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, said, “At a time when we face numerous complex threats around the globe, this legislation makes much-needed investments in shipbuilding, expands critical munitions production, provides support for our allies, and funds drone and counter-drone technologies that are increasingly changing the battlefield. This bill also invests in the brave men and women that make up our Armed Forces, showing our continued commitment to their readiness, well-being, and mission success.”
Senator Mitch McConnell, Chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, added: “There is no substitute for robust, full-year defense appropriations. In this era of major power competition, security for future generations of Americans means steady, consistent, predictable, increasing investments in the common defense, year after year.”
The legislation includes $193.1 billion for pay and benefits for service members and their families. This amount covers a 3.8% pay raise for all service members as well as an additional 10% increase for junior enlisted personnel.
Military readiness receives $302.8 billion to support operations sustainment and training activities across services.
For security cooperation programs intended to reinforce vulnerable partners aligned with U.S. national security interests abroad, $5.3 billion is allocated.
Procurement efforts receive $171.3 billion while research and development activities are funded at $140.5 billion.
Breakdowns by branch include:
- Army: $29.1 billion for procurement; $15.3 billion for research and development.
- Navy: $70.8 billion allocated to procurement; $27.4 billion dedicated to research.
- Air Force: Receives $59.8 billion in procurement funds; R&D receives $49.3 billion.
- Space Force: Provided with $3.6 billion for procurement needs; R&D is funded at $15.1 billion to address space control capabilities not included in earlier requests.
The National Guard receives $350 million aimed at modernizing equipment and addressing capability gaps along with an additional allocation of $27.5 million toward its state partnership program.
Support continues for Israel’s missile defense systems through a provision of $500 million directed toward cooperative programs such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling as well as Arrow missile defense initiatives; there is also funding designated specifically for counter-drone efforts ($75 million), emerging technology cooperation ($47.5 million), and anti-tunneling projects ($80 million) between the United States and Israel.
