Senate Approves $901 Billion Defense Bill

The United States Senate has passed the $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, setting defense policy and funding priorities for the fiscal year. The legislation, approved by a 77-20 vote, combines provisions championed by President Donald Trump with measures aimed at preserving congressional oversight of US military operations. The bill now heads to the president for signature.

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Maintaining Troop Levels in Europe and Asia

Several sections of the NDAA reflect Democratic-led efforts, supported by bipartisan lawmakers, to restrict the Trump administration’s ability to reduce US troop deployments abroad.

• Europe: The bill requires the Pentagon to maintain at least 76,000 US troops, unless NATO allies are consulted and a reduction is deemed in the US national interest. Typically, 80,000–100,000 soldiers are stationed across the continent.
• South Korea: Troop levels cannot fall below 28,500 personnel.

These measures aim to ensure stability in regions critical to US and allied security, while providing Congress with oversight over troop movements.

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Support for Ukraine and Europe

Congress continues its robust backing for Ukraine, authorizing $800 million under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative—$400 million per year over the next two years. An additional $400 million annually is allocated for manufacturing weapons for Kyiv, reinforcing US commitment to European security amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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Asia-Pacific Focus and Taiwan Security

The NDAA also aligns with the Trump administration’s national security strategy, emphasizing the Asia-Pacific as a key economic and geopolitical theater.

• Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative: $1 billion allocated to strengthen defense cooperation with Taiwan, countering China’s growing military influence.
• Israel: $600 million in security assistance, including funding for joint missile defense programs such as Iron Dome, reflecting longstanding bipartisan support.

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Enhanced Congressional Oversight

The bill strengthens reporting requirements on US military operations, particularly strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific targeting smuggling and trafficking networks. This comes after concerns from Democrats over limited briefing on operations, including a September strike that killed two individuals who had survived a previous attack.

The NDAA requires the Department of Defense to provide Congress with detailed reports and, in some cases, video evidence of US military actions.

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Repeal of Old War Authorizations and Sanctions Adjustments

The legislation also repeals outdated authorizations for:

• The 2003 Iraq invasion
• The 1991 Gulf War

These repeals reduce the risk of future military actions being undertaken without explicit congressional approval.

The NDAA permanently lifts US sanctions on Syria, intended to facilitate post-conflict reconstruction after the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.

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“America First” Provisions: Cuts and Program Changes

Other sections of the bill reflect priorities under the Trump administration’s America First agenda:

• Eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and training programs within the Department of Defense, saving an estimated $40 million.
• Cuts $1.6 billion from Pentagon climate change programs, prioritizing immediate military capabilities over climate adaptation measures.

These changes underscore the administration’s focus on streamlining defense spending and concentrating resources on traditional military readiness.

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Conclusion

The 2026 NDAA represents a delicate balance between advancing the Trump administration’s military priorities and ensuring congressional oversight of US operations worldwide. By maintaining troop levels in strategic regions, supporting Ukraine and Israel, enhancing reporting requirements, and repealing outdated war authorizations, Congress aims to secure American defense interests while preventing unchecked military actions.