BGOV OnPoint: Must-Pass Defense Policy Bill in Flux in Congress

Lawmakers may jump ahead to final negotiations on the fiscal 2026 defense authorization bill as the Senate struggles to get its measure over the finish line on the floor.

Congress faces a year-end deadline to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions of the must-pass measure. The NDAA has been enacted annually for more than 60 years, since fiscal 1962.

The House passed its bill (H.R. 3838) by a 231-196 vote on Sept. 10. The measure would authorize the requested $892.6 billion in funding for the Pentagon and Energy Department defense programs.

The Senate has begun ...