On December 18, 2025, the President signed S. 1071, known as the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026,” into law. This legislation authorizes funding for fiscal year 2026 for programs related to the Department of War and military construction, as well as national security initiatives within the Department of Energy. The act also covers intelligence activities and programs managed by the Department of State.
According to the White House, "S. 1071, the 'National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026,' which authorizes fiscal year 2026 appropriations principally for Department of War programs and military construction, Department of Energy national security programs, Intelligence programs, and Department of State programs; supports a military basic pay increase and other authorities relating to the United States Armed Forces; and provides authorities related to and makes other modifications to national security, foreign affairs, homeland, commerce, judiciary, and other related programs."
The law includes provisions supporting an increase in basic pay for members of the United States Armed Forces. It also grants new authorities concerning various aspects of national security policy and modifies existing regulations affecting foreign affairs, homeland issues, commerce matters, judicial processes, among others.
