The United States Senate has approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with a vote of 77-20. The legislation is considered a key measure for the modernization of the U.S. military and strengthening national security.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker highlighted the significance of this year’s NDAA, noting its focus on both rebuilding and reforming defense capabilities. Wicker stated, “Today, the Senate passed one of the most important legislative priorities to enable the modernization of our military and strengthen of our national security. This year’s NDAA reflects the severity of the threat environment we find ourselves in – one that we have not faced since World War II.
This bill centers on two main themes: rebuild and reform. My colleagues and I have prioritized reindustrialization and the structural rebuilding of the arsenal of democracy, starting with drone technology, shipbuilding, and innovative low-cost weapons. We have also set out to enact historic reforms in the Pentagon’s budgeting and acquisition process to unleash innovation and root out inefficiencies.
This legislation succeeded because it was member-driven. The bill contains almost 1,100 items that were driven by members across this body. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Leader Thune, Ranking Member Reed, the members of the Armed Services Committee, and our colleagues across the Senate who helped advance and improve the substance of the bill, our country is more secure, and our military is better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Ranking Member Jack Reed described it as a bipartisan effort that supports troops while investing in advanced technologies such as hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Reed said, “This is a good, bipartisan bill that supports our troops and strengthens America’s security. It provides essential resources for servicemembers and their families, modernizes key platforms, and invests in critical technologies like hypersonics, AI, and cybersecurity. This NDAA also bolsters our posture against China and Russia, supports America’s allies, and prepares the Department of Defense for emerging threats.
I thank Chairman Wicker and Leaders Schumer and Thune for their partnership, and I look forward to working with the House to finalize a bipartisan bill.”
The passage follows collaboration among committee members from both parties.
