House Democrats on Sunday night released the full legislative text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, a sweeping, multi-division measure that sets military policy, procurement authority, and national security priorities for the coming year.
The 3,086-page conference report includes repealing 1991 and 2002 authorization of military force against Iraq and "over $1B to fight drug trafficking including $398M for Pentagon support of counter narcotics operations & $216M for National Guard counter drug programs, $100M over the President's budget request," Craig Caplan reported in an X post.
The NDAA has eight major divisions, including defense authorizations, military construction, Department of Energy national security programs, State Department authorizations, and intelligence provisions.
The bill authorizes procurement across all military branches, including new multiyear contracts for Army Black Hawk helicopters.
The text gives the Army explicit permission to begin accelerating its next-generation aviation programs, allowing early production "to expedite delivery" of future long-range assault aircraft, provide "operational capability to the warfighter," and "maintain momentum and learning continuity" between testing and full production.
Navy shipbuilding and unmanned systems programs also receive major direction.
The legislation prohibits the Navy from accepting delivery of medium or large unmanned surface vessels until they complete "not less than 720 continuous hours" of operational demonstration without maintenance or repair — a significant reliability benchmark that must be certified before funds can be released.
Across the services, the NDAA sets or extends fleet and aircraft inventory requirements, restricts retirements, and mandates detailed reporting on readiness, sustainment, and modernization efforts.
It also establishes new authorities in emerging domains, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and space operations.
The bill further stipulates that its budgetary effects are governed by PAYGO rules, noting that compliance "shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 'Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'" submitted to the Congressional Record before passage.
The House is expected to take up the measure this week.
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