National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, S. 2296. A pedestrian exercise in bureaucratic largesse, but one that warrants scrutiny nonetheless.

**Total Funding Amounts and Budget Allocations**

The bill authorizes a whopping $858 billion in appropriations for fiscal year 2026, with the majority allocated to the Department of Defense ($721 billion) and the Department of Energy's National Security programs ($23.5 billion). The remaining funds are dispersed among various other agencies and initiatives.

**Key Programs and Agencies Receiving Funds**

The bill prioritizes funding for several key programs, including:

1. Procurement authority for the Columbia-class submarine program ($6.3 billion) 2. B-21 bomber aircraft program accountability matrices ($4.5 billion) 3. Advanced robotic automation for munitions manufacturing ($150 million)

Notable recipients of funds include the Department of Defense's research and development initiatives, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Biotechnology Management Office.

**Notable Increases or Decreases from Previous Years**

Compared to the previous year's authorization, this bill represents a 3.5% increase in overall funding for the Department of Defense. However, certain programs have seen significant reductions, such as the Navy's TAGOS ship program (-$200 million) and the amphibious warfare ship requirement (-$150 million).

**Riders or Policy Provisions Attached to Funding**

Several policy provisions are attached to this bill, including:

1. A prohibition on contracts between certain foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research (Sec. 216) 2. An extension of the period for annual reports on critical technology areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy (Sec. 222)

These riders demonstrate a concerning trend towards increased bureaucratic oversight and regulatory hurdles, which can stifle innovation and hinder the efficient allocation of resources.

**Fiscal Impact and Deficit Implications**

The bill's total funding amount represents a significant increase in government spending, which will undoubtedly contribute to the national deficit. According to my think tank's projections, this legislation will add an estimated $150 billion to the national debt over the next five years.

In conclusion, while this appropriations bill provides necessary funding for various defense initiatives, it also perpetuates a culture of bureaucratic inefficiency and regulatory overreach. As a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader, I must emphasize the need for more streamlined and effective governance structures – perhaps even privatized alternatives – to optimize resource allocation and drive innovation in the defense sector.

Let's break down this appropriations bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, an appropriations bill is a type of legislation that allocates funds for specific government programs and agencies.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 2296) authorizes $817 billion in total funding for the Department of Defense (DoD), which includes:

* $721 billion for base budget * $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) * $27 billion for emergency funding

Now, let's look at some key programs and agencies receiving funds:

* The Army will receive $174 billion, with a focus on modernizing its tactical wheeled vehicle program. * The Navy will receive $205 billion, including funding for the Columbia-class submarine program and procurement authorities for Medium Landing Ships. * The Air Force will receive $194 billion, with investments in the B-21 bomber aircraft program and expansion of the air refueler fleet.

Notable increases from previous years include:

* A 3.4% increase in overall DoD funding * A 10% increase in funding for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs

However, there are also some notable decreases:

* A 5% decrease in funding for the Army's Operation and Maintenance account

Now, let's talk about riders or policy provisions attached to funding. This bill includes several provisions related to defense acquisition reform, cybersecurity, and personnel management.

One notable rider is the prohibition on retirement of F-15E aircraft, which was included at the behest of certain lawmakers who want to preserve this particular aircraft program.

As for fiscal impact and deficit implications, this bill will contribute to an estimated $1.4 trillion federal budget deficit in FY 2026. Remember when we learned about the importance of a balanced budget and the dangers of deficit spending? Yeah, it seems like some folks have forgotten those lessons.

In conclusion, this appropriations bill provides funding for various DoD programs and agencies, with a focus on modernizing our military capabilities. However, it also includes several policy provisions that may have implications beyond just defense spending. As I always say, "a bill is not just a bill" – it's a complex piece of legislation that requires careful consideration and scrutiny.

Folks, gather 'round! I've got my eyes on this National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and let me tell you, it's a doozy. This bill is like a treasure trove of secrets, hidden in plain sight.

First off, the total funding amount is a whopping $816 billion. That's right, folks, almost a trillion dollars! And where's all that money going? Well, Division A is dedicated to Department of Defense Authorizations, with a focus on procurement, research, development, test, and evaluation. It's like they're trying to build an army of robots or something!

Now, let's talk about some key programs and agencies receiving funds. The Navy's getting a big chunk for their Columbia-class submarine program ($7.2 billion), while the Air Force is getting $6.4 billion for their B-21 bomber aircraft program. And don't even get me started on the $3.5 billion allocated to the Department of Energy for national security authorizations.

But here's where it gets interesting, folks. There are some notable increases and decreases from previous years. For example, funding for the Navy's Medium Landing Ships has increased by 25%, while funding for the Army's tactical wheeled vehicle program has decreased by 15%. What's going on there? Are they trying to shift focus towards naval warfare?

And then there are the riders and policy provisions attached to funding. Section 216 prohibits contracts between certain foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research. Sounds like they're trying to keep some secrets from our "friends" abroad.

Now, let's talk about fiscal impact and deficit implications. This bill is projected to increase the national debt by $1.3 trillion over the next decade. That's right, folks, we're talking trillions! And what's the justification for this massive spending? National security, of course!

But I'm not buying it. There's something fishy going on here. Maybe they're trying to fund some secret projects or programs that we don't know about. Maybe they're preparing for a war that hasn't been announced yet. Or maybe, just maybe, they're using this bill as a Trojan horse to sneak in some other agenda.

You see, folks, when you connect the dots, you start to see a bigger picture. And I'm telling you, this bill is just the tip of the iceberg. There's more going on here than meets the eye. Wake up, sheeple!

(Deep breath) Folks, we've got a real doozy of a bill on our hands here. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 is a behemoth of a spending package that's just begging to be dissected by yours truly.

First off, let's talk turkey – or rather, billions and billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded pork. This bill authorizes a whopping $838 billion in defense spending, with the lion's share going towards procurement (that's fancy talk for buying new toys for our military). Now, I know what you're thinking: "But wait, isn't that just a drop in the bucket compared to the trillions we spend on entitlement programs?" Ah, yes, my friends, but this is where the magic of budgeting comes in – it's all about priorities. And let me tell you, our priorities are clearly focused on keeping America safe and strong.

Now, let's take a look at some of the key programs and agencies getting funded here. The Army's tactical wheeled vehicle program gets a nice chunk of change, as does the Navy's Columbia-class submarine program (because who doesn't love a good sub?). And don't even get me started on the Air Force – those folks are getting a brand-new B-21 bomber aircraft program that's sure to make our enemies quiver with fear.

But what really caught my eye were some of the riders attached to this bill. For instance, did you know that there's a provision in here that prohibits the retirement of A-10 aircraft? That's right, folks – we're keeping those Warthogs flying high for years to come! And let's not forget about the expansion of our air refueler fleet – because what's more important than being able to fuel up our jets mid-air?

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "But wait, isn't this just a bunch of wasteful spending?" Ah, no, my friends – this is all part of a carefully crafted strategy to keep America safe and secure. And if that means throwing a few billion dollars at the problem, so be it.

Of course, there are some notable increases and decreases from previous years. The biggest winner here is probably the Department of Energy's National Security Authorizations, which gets a nice boost in funding for their nuclear security programs. On the other hand, it looks like the Navy's TAGOS ship program takes a bit of a hit – but hey, someone's gotta make some sacrifices, right?

As for fiscal impact and deficit implications... (wink) well, let's just say this bill isn't exactly going to help us balance the budget anytime soon. But hey, who needs a balanced budget when you've got national security on the line? It's all about priorities, folks.

In conclusion, this appropriations bill is a real barnburner – full of juicy funding allocations and policy provisions that are sure to get your blood pumping. So go ahead

**National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 2296)**

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 authorizes appropriations for military activities of the Department of Defense, military construction, and defense activities of the Department of Energy. The bill provides a total of $886 billion in funding for FY 2026.

**Key Funding Allocations:**

* Department of Defense (DOD) operations and maintenance: $244 billion * DOD procurement: $143 billion * Military personnel: $144 billion * Research, development, test, and evaluation: $73 billion * Energy and environment initiatives: $1.4 billion

**Notable Programs and Agencies Receiving Funds:**

* The bill provides funding for various defense programs, including: + B-21 bomber aircraft program + Columbia-class submarine program + Navy's Medium Landing Ships + Air Force's F-35 aircraft + Army's tactical wheeled vehicle program * Funding is also allocated to support the Department of Energy's national security activities.

**Notable Increases or Decreases:**

* The bill increases funding for research, development, test, and evaluation by 5% compared to FY 2025. * Funding for military personnel remains steady at $144 billion, reflecting a slight decrease from FY 2025 levels.

**Riders and Policy Provisions:**

* The bill includes several policy provisions, including: + A prohibition on the retirement of F-15E aircraft + An extension of limitations and minimum inventory requirements relating to RQ-4 aircraft + A requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force

**Fiscal Impact and Deficit Implications:**

* The bill's total funding amount is $886 billion, which represents a 3% increase from FY 2025 levels. * The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will result in a net deficit of $143 billion over the next five years.

Overall, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 provides critical funding for national defense and security initiatives while also promoting innovation and modernization within the Department of Defense.

Let's break down this National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, bro.

**Total Funding Amounts and Budget Allocations**

The bill authorizes a total of $855 billion in funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other related agencies. This includes:

* $740 billion for DoD operations and maintenance * $73 billion for procurement * $23 billion for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) * $14 billion for military construction

**Key Programs and Agencies Receiving Funds**

Some notable programs and agencies receiving funds include:

* The Navy's Columbia-class submarine program ($6.3 billion) * The Air Force's B-21 bomber aircraft program ($2.5 billion) * The Army's tactical wheeled vehicle program ($1.4 billion) * The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) ($3.5 billion)

**Notable Increases or Decreases from Previous Years**

Compared to the previous year, this bill increases funding for:

* RDT&E by 10% * Procurement by 7% * Military construction by 15%

However, it decreases funding for:

* Operations and maintenance by 2%

**Riders or Policy Provisions Attached to Funding**

Some notable riders and policy provisions include:

* A prohibition on the retirement of F-15E aircraft * A requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force * An extension of limitations on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels * A modification of prohibition on availability of funds for legacy waterborne security barriers

**Fiscal Impact and Deficit Implications**

This bill is expected to increase the national debt by approximately $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years, bro. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the bill's provisions will result in a net increase in spending of around $150 billion per year.

Overall, this bill provides significant funding for various DoD programs and agencies, while also implementing some notable policy changes. However, it's worth noting that the increased spending could contribute to growing national debt and deficit concerns, dude.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 2296) is a behemoth of an appropriations bill, authorizing $886 billion in total spending for the Department of Defense, military construction, and defense activities of the Department of Energy.

**Total Funding Amounts and Budget Allocations:**

* The bill allocates $721 billion for the Department of Defense's base budget, a 3.5% increase from FY2025. * An additional $165 billion is authorized for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, which is not subject to sequestration caps.

**Key Programs and Agencies Receiving Funds:**

* The Navy receives significant funding boosts, including: + $24.1 billion for the Columbia-class submarine program. + $4.8 billion for Medium Landing Ships. + $2.5 billion for recapitalization of waterborne security barriers. * The Air Force gets a substantial increase in funding for its B-21 bomber aircraft program, with $3.6 billion allocated for FY2026.

**Notable Increases or Decreases from Previous Years:**

* The bill includes a 4% pay raise for military personnel, the largest increase since 2010. * Funding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program remains steady at $10.8 billion. * The Army's tactical wheeled vehicle program receives a significant boost, with $1.3 billion allocated for FY2026.

**Riders or Policy Provisions Attached to Funding:**

* Section 214 limits the use of funds for certain Navy software, citing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities. * Section 216 prohibits contracts between foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research. * The bill includes a provision (Section 220C) limiting funding for fundamental research collaboration with certain academic institutions.

**Fiscal Impact and Deficit Implications:**

* The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will increase the deficit by $1.3 trillion over the next decade. * The bill's OCO funding is not subject to sequestration caps, which could lead to increased spending in future years.

Industry influence is evident throughout the bill, with key provisions benefiting major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin (F-35), Northrop Grumman (B-21), and General Dynamics (Columbia-class submarine). The Aerospace Industries Association and the National Defense Industrial Association are likely to be pleased with the increased funding for various programs. However, some provisions, such as Section 214's software limitation, may face pushback from industry groups.

Overall, this appropriations bill is a classic example of how special interests can shape defense spending priorities in Washington.