National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Key claim: The FY2026 NDAA authorizes DOD procurement, personnel levels, military construction, and Pacific Deterrence Initiative extension while repealing DEI provisions and requiring strategies on emerging biotechnologies and Navy shipyard readiness.
Abstract
(S2296 · 119th Congress) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2026 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). It also authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for FY2026. The bill authorizes appropriations but it does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation. Among other elements, the bill authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles; authorizes active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels; authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years; requires DOD to develop a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies; requires the Navy to implement certain processes to improve the material condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards; extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (an initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region) through FY2026; and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including a provision establishing the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD. For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA , and In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process . Latest action (2025-11-12): Held at the desk.
Why this matters
The FY2026 NDAA’s repeal of DEI provisions within the Department of Defense extends the broader executive- and legislative-branch rollback of race- and sex-conscious civil rights frameworks into the military personnel and defense contracting context. For affected groups — servicemembers, defense-sector employees, and contractors — the practical effect is the removal of DOD-specific diversity programs and training requirements, while underlying Title VII and equal protection protections remain in force. The provisions are contested, with supporters citing merit-based standards and readiness, and critics arguing the changes weaken recruitment and retention among historically underrepresented groups.