Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3838, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, also known as the SPEED Act. I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in bringing this bipartisan legislation to the floor for the 65th consecutive year.
H.R. 3838: Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Signed Into LawPublic Law 119-60
Enacted as part of S1071: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026· Dec 18, 2025
Sponsor
Mike Rogers
Republican · AL-3
Bill Progress
IntroducedJun 9
Committee
Pass HouseSep 10
Pass Senate
Signed
Law
Latest Action · Sep 30, 2025
1/2
Passed the House, received in Senate
The $884 billion defense bill, built to buy weapons faster
4 min readLast updated June 15, 2026
Why it matters
CBO puts the price tag at $884.3 billion for fiscal 2026, with $882.9 billion of it for national defense. Beyond the money, H.R. 3838 rewrites how the Pentagon buys ships, planes, and software — and tucks in policy riders that reach far past the battlefield, from automatic draft registration to a ban on new COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
H.R. 3838 is the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. It sets policy and authorizes spending across the Defense Department, military construction, the Energy Department's nuclear-weapons work, and the Coast Guard. CBO estimates the bill authorizes $884.3 billion for the year.
The headline theme is speed. The bill backs longer-term contracts and advance buying for big-ticket systems — Black Hawk helicopters, Ford-class carriers, Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines, and support barges — so production lines stay open and suppliers get more predictability. Lawmakers also single out the maritime industrial base, signaling worry that U.S. shipbuilding is too fragile to meet demand.
A second theme is frustration with troubled programs. The bill limits or conditions money for Army command-and-control work, the KC-46 tanker, and Army ammunition research changes, while blocking funds to shut down the E-7A Wedgetail line and ordering fresh reviews of the F-35, F-47, and Link 16. The message to the Pentagon: late or flawed programs don't get a blank check.
The bill also reaches well past hardware. It funds artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum communications, and drone work, while adding guardrails tied to foreign countries of concern and gain-of-function research. And it carries social-policy riders — automatic Selective Service registration for young men, a bar on new COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and a seat for the Coast Guard Commandant on the Joint Chiefs.
The House passed H.R. 3838 on September 10, 2025 by a 231-196 vote. The final FY2026 NDAA was later enacted through a companion Senate measure, S. 1071, as Public Law 119-60.
H.R. 3838 Bill Summary
What H.R. 3838 actually does.
1
Automatic draft registration for young men
Starting one year after enactment, men ages 18 to 26 would be automatically registered for Selective Service rather than having to sign up themselves (Section 534).
2
Longer-term weapons contracts
The bill allows multiyear and advance buying for major systems including Black Hawk helicopters, Ford-class carriers, Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines, and support barges, letting the military order parts earlier and keep production lines running.
3
Protections for aging aircraft fleets
It blocks funds to shut down the E-7A Wedgetail line, preserves retired KC-10 tankers, sets a floor of 162 A-10s, and bars further B-1 bomber squadron cuts, slowing several planned retirements.
4
Tighter scrutiny on troubled programs
The bill limits or conditions money for programs with performance concerns, including the KC-46 tanker pending fixes, the Army's Next Generation Command and Control effort, and parts of Army ammunition research.
5
A bar on new COVID-19 vaccine mandates
The Department of Defense could not impose a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate on service members (Section 526), and a separate provision blocks gain-of-function research funding (Section 229).
6
Bigger bets on emerging technology
It funds artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum communications, drone systems, and digital engineering, while adding restrictions tied to foreign countries of concern and sensitive research partnerships.
Who benefits from H.R. 3838?
U.S. defense manufacturers and suppliers
Multiyear and advance-procurement authority gives contractors steadier demand, more predictable hiring, and the ability to buy parts and materials earlier.
Navy shipbuilders and the maritime industrial base
The bill signals strong congressional backing for submarine and carrier production and for shoring up the shipbuilding workforce and supplier network.
Units flying older aircraft
Crews operating tankers, A-10s, B-1s, and airborne command planes benefit from delayed retirements, preserved backup aircraft, and minimum-inventory floors.
Defense tech researchers
AI, biotech, drone, and quantum-communications programs receive new funding lines and formal congressional backing.
Who is affected by H.R. 3838?
Men ages 18 to 26
Under the automatic-registration provision, eligible young men would be enrolled in Selective Service without filing the paperwork themselves.
Pentagon acquisition officials
They face more reporting requirements, tighter spending conditions, and more congressional direction on how major programs are run.
Contractors on underperforming programs
Companies tied to systems with known delays or deficiencies may face funding limits and extra certifications before they can proceed.
Research institutions with foreign ties
Universities and labs working with entities linked to foreign countries of concern could face new barriers or lose access to defense research money.
Cost & Funding
Authorization
$884.3 billion for FY2026 (CBO estimate)
- CBO estimates H.R. 3838 authorizes $884.3 billion for fiscal 2026, including $882.9 billion for national defense.
- CBO projects that appropriating the specified amounts would increase outlays by $868.1 billion over 2026 through 2035.
- This is an authorization bill — it sets policy and approves funding levels but does not itself appropriate the final money.
- Division D contains the detailed funding tables that specify account- and program-level amounts.
- Several provisions shape how money can be spent, including spending limits, advance-procurement authority, and multiyear contracting.
On the Record
What Congress Is Saying
47 legislators have weighed in on H.R. 3838 — 23 Democrats, 23 Republicans, 1 Independents.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my proposed amendments to H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Ohio's 13th Congressional District has long been known as the Rubber Capital of the World, and my First Amendment upholds that legacy by investing in American manufacturing to ensure that this vital industry remains globally competitive. Taking from the Retreaded Tires Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025, this amendment would ensure that the U.S.
Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement For Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense and Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. As the United States faces pacing threats from China, this NDAA ensures the United States remains peerless by reforming and modernizing the Pentagon's acquisition policies. This bill includes my provision instituting a minimum assignment period of 6 years for acquisition program executive officers, strengthening institutional memory in the acquisition process.
Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3838 as it came out of committee. The bipartisan tradition of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee continued this year under the leadership of my good friend, Chairman Trent Kelly, to ensure maximum support for our sailors, airmen, and marines. I would note our job was made much more difficult by the ridiculously late submission of a budget by the budget office, which they then split and mangled by disregarding input from the sea services. Nonetheless, we overcame that challenge with this year's mark.
I rise in support of the rule and urge this body to adopt it. It is the next necessary step for us to proceed to consideration and ultimately adoption of the National Defense Authorization Act for the 65th year in a row. While this Congress has done this 65 years in a row, this is the first year I have had the privilege of being part of this debate and discussion. I am honored to be here.
H.R. 3838 also appeared in 1 more House floor reference, 1 more Senate floor reference, and 4 routine cosponsor filings.
HR3838 Legislative Journey
Sent to Senate
Sep 30, 2025
Received in the Senate.
House: Passed 231-196
Sep 10, 2025
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 231 - 196 (Roll no. 262).
+48 more actions this day
About the Sponsor
Mike Rogers
Republican, Alabama's 3rd congressional district · 23 years in Congress
Committees: Armed Services
View full profile →
Cosponsors at time of passage (1)
This bill has 1 cosponsor: 1 Democrat. Cosponsors represent 1 state: Washington.
1Democrat·1 state
Committee Sponsors
Agriculture Committee
24D29R
|0 signed53 others0 of 53 committee members cosponsored at the time
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Armed Services Committee
27D30R
|1 signed56 others1 of 57 committee members cosponsored at the time
What laws does H.R. 3838 change?
53 changes
Sections Amended
Section 127 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159)
striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: ``(c) Covered F-18 Aircraft Defined
Section 134(d) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 130 Stat. 2038)
striking ``96 A-10 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory until a period of 90 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the report under subsection (e)(2)'' and inserting ``96 A-10 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory until October 1, 2026''
Section 164(a) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159)
read as follows: ``(a) Prohibitions
Section 238(a) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 1842)
inserting ``or fiscal year 2026'' after ``fiscal year 2025''
Section 232 of Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4091)
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''
Section 129 of such title
striking subsection (c)
Sections Repealed
545 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 10 U.S.C. 8431 note prec.)
1022 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136; 10 U.S.C. 271 note)
1221 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (10 U.S.C. 113 note)
922 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112- 81; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note). (2) Repeal of existing provision.--Section 922 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note)
804 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4401 note)
2827 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 2866 note)
2864 of such title is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (e); and (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e). SEC. 2827. REPEAL OF PILOT PROGRAM AUTHORIZING OVERHEAD COST REIMBURSEMENTS FROM MAJOR RANGE AND TEST FACILITY BASE USERS AT CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE INSTALLATIONS. Section 2862 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 9771 note prec)
H.R. 3838 Quick Facts
Cosponsors
1
- Committee
- Agriculture
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Introduced
- Jun 9, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Sep 30, 2025
Official Sources
CBO Cost Estimate for H.R. 3838
CBO estimates H.R. 3838 authorizes $884.3 billion for FY2026, with $882.9 billion for national defense. Appropriation of specified amounts would increase outlays by $868.1 billion over 2026-2035.
House Armed Services Committee FY26 NDAA Markup
Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith scheduled full committee markup for July 15, 2025. The bill was reported out and passed the House on September 10, 2025 by a 231-196 vote.
FY26 NDAA Joint Explanatory Statement
The conference report's joint explanatory statement details the House-Senate agreement on every provision, including final authorization of $890.6 billion for national defense.
Public Law 119-60 Full Text
The enacted law signed December 18, 2025. H.R. 3838 was the House vehicle; the final law was enacted via S. 1071 as Public Law 119-60.
NNSA Plutonium Pit Production Program
NNSA's two-site strategy targets 80+ pits per year: 30 at Los Alamos and 50 at Savannah River. Section 3111 of the bill codifies these production minimums.
GAO Weapon Systems Annual Assessment (2025)
GAO's 23rd annual assessment found DOD plans to invest $2.4 trillion across 106 weapon programs, with costs rising $49.3 billion year-over-year. Directly relevant to the bill's procurement reform provisions.
CRS: FY2026 NDAA Summary of Funding Authorizations
Congressional Research Service breakdown of how the enacted $890.6 billion authorization compares to the President's request, including $8.9 billion more for procurement.
CRS: Defense Primer — Navigating the NDAA
CRS explainer on how the annual defense authorization process works, referenced in the official bill summary. FY2025 marked the 64th consecutive year an NDAA was enacted.
About Legisletter
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Who is lobbying on H.R. 3838?
87 organizations lobbying on this bill
Total filings: 156
PHLOW CORPORATION | 4 |
NOLA EDUCATION, LLC | 4 |
BLUE ORIGIN | 3 |
GENERAL DYNAMICS | 3 |
QUANTUM RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, INC. | 3 |
PARSONS CORPORATION | 3 |
PEOPLE TEC | 3 |
QUALIS CORPORATION | 3 |
RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC | 3 |
CONCORDIA TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | 3 |
Showing 1-10 of 87 organizations
...
H.R. 3838 Common Questions
Does the 2026 NDAA require automatic Selective Service registration?
Yes. Under H.R. 3838, men ages 18 to 26 would be registered for Selective Service automatically — no sign-up form needed — starting one year after enactment (Section 534).
Does the 2026 NDAA ban new COVID-19 vaccine mandates for the military?
Yes. Under H.R. 3838, the Department of Defense may not impose any new COVID-19 vaccine mandate on service members (Section 526).
Does the 2026 NDAA block gain-of-function research funding?
Yes. H.R. 3838 bars funds from being used for gain-of-function research on potential pandemic pathogens (Section 229).
How much does the 2026 NDAA authorize for the Coast Guard?
H.R. 3838 authorizes $11.85 billion for the Coast Guard in FY2026, rising to $15.5 billion by FY2029 (Section 6102).
How many A-10s would the Air Force have to keep under the 2026 NDAA?
Under H.R. 3838, the Air Force must keep at least 162 A-10 aircraft, and retirements are barred until Oct. 1, 2026 (Section 143).
What is the minimum Air Force tanker inventory in the 2026 NDAA?
Per H.R. 3838, the tanker floor is 466 aircraft by Sept. 30, 2026; 485 by Sept. 30, 2027; and 504 starting Oct. 1, 2027 (Section 141).
Does the 2026 NDAA add the Coast Guard Commandant to the Joint Chiefs?
Yes. H.R. 3838 adds the Commandant of the Coast Guard to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Section 911).
What are the plutonium pit production requirements in the 2026 NDAA?
Under H.R. 3838, Los Alamos must produce at least 30 plutonium pits per year and Savannah River at least 50 per year (Section 3111).
Based on H.R. 3838 bill text
H.R. 3838 Bill Text
“To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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