S. 1071: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Sponsor
John Cornyn
Republican · TX
S. 1071 puts more of military life in Congress’s hands
Why it matters
Automatic Selective Service registration is now part of federal law, and Congress also locked in rules on military housing, AI tools, and Air Force aircraft retirements. **This isn’t just a defense funding bill — it changes what happens to you, to service members, and to the Pentagon itself.**
S. 1071, the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, is now law. Like most NDAAs, it covers a huge amount of ground — but several provisions stand out because they change day-to-day rules, not just budget lines.
For the public, the clearest immediate shift is automatic Selective Service registration. Instead of relying on eligible men to sign up themselves, the government can register them through existing records. That means one of the most personal obligations tied to national service moves closer to automatic enrollment.
Inside the Pentagon, Congress used this law to limit how fast the Air Force can shrink or reshape parts of its fleet. The law blocks retirement of F-15E aircraft, restricts reductions to E-3 AWACS aircraft, and keeps minimum inventory rules in place for refueling tankers and other aircraft. That gives Congress more control over force structure, even when military leaders might prefer to move money into newer systems.
The law also bars Defense Department DEI programs and separately prohibits use of DeepSeek on intelligence community systems. Those two provisions show how this NDAA reaches beyond ships and aircraft into personnel policy and technology security.
Military families could feel some of the most practical effects. The law requires qualified inspectors for privatized and government-owned military housing and adds standardized mold remediation guidelines. If you live in military housing, this law raises the floor for what inspections and mold response are supposed to look like.
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Dec 18, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-60.
S. 1071 Bill Summary
What S. 1071 actually does.
Selective Service registration becomes automatic
The law requires automatic Selective Service registration, shifting the process away from individual sign-ups and into government record systems.
Air Force aircraft retirements get blocked
Congress keeps tighter control over Air Force fleet changes by blocking retirement of F-15E aircraft and restricting reductions to other key aircraft, including E-3 AWACS planes and refueling tankers.
Pentagon DEI programs are prohibited
The law bars Department of Defense diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, making that restriction part of federal statute rather than internal policy alone.
DeepSeek is barred from intelligence systems
Intelligence community systems may not use DeepSeek under the law’s technology security restrictions.
Military housing inspections get stricter
Military housing must be inspected by qualified home inspectors, and the law requires standardized mold remediation guidelines for military housing.
A new defense AI institute is created
The law establishes a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute focused on defense-related AI development and coordination.
Who benefits from S. 1071?
Military families living in base housing
If you live in privatized or government-owned military housing, you could see more consistent inspections and clearer mold-response standards.
People worried about Chinese-linked AI tools in government systems
The law blocks DeepSeek from intelligence community systems, which supporters see as a tighter technology security rule.
Lawmakers and advocates who want Congress steering force structure
The law gives Congress more direct control over whether the Air Force can retire older aircraft and shrink key fleets.
Supporters of removing DEI programs from the Pentagon
The law turns that policy goal into a binding statutory restriction for the Defense Department.
Who is affected by S. 1071?
Young men subject to Selective Service requirements
If you would otherwise need to register, the government can now enroll you automatically rather than waiting for you to file.
Pentagon leaders trying to modernize faster
Military officials have less flexibility to retire aging aircraft or shift resources on their own timeline.
Defense Department offices running DEI initiatives
Those programs are prohibited under the law and would need to be ended, reworked, or defended as outside the ban.
Air Force planners and maintainers
Keeping older aircraft in service can preserve capacity, but it also means continued maintenance, staffing, and budget pressure.
Intelligence agencies and contractors using AI tools
They must avoid DeepSeek on covered systems and may need to replace workflows or vendors.
What Congress Said
S. 1071 was signed into law on Jan 5, 2026.
S. 1071 also appeared in 12 more Senate floor references and 6 routine cosponsor filings.
S1071 Legislative Journey
Signed into Law
Dec 18, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-60.
+6 more actions this day
Floor Action
Dec 17, 2025
Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered).
Floor Action
Dec 16, 2025
Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S8749)
Floor Action
Dec 15, 2025
Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S8707-8708)
Committee Action
Dec 11, 2025
Motion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Armed Services the House message to accompany S. 1071 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3963) made in Senate. (CR S8656)
House: Passed 312-112
Dec 10, 2025
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 312 - 112 (Roll no. 320). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5136-5510)
+13 more actions this day
House: Committee Action
Dec 9, 2025
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 936 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.
House: Action Taken
Aug 8, 2025
Held at the desk.
Passed
Aug 1, 2025
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5475; text: CR S5475)
+3 more actions this day
Committee Action
Mar 14, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
About the Sponsor
John Cornyn
Republican, TX · 24 years in Congress
Committees: United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Finance, the Judiciary
View full profile →
Cosponsors at time of passage (1)
This bill has 1 cosponsor: 1 Republican. Cosponsors represent 1 state: Texas.
Committee Sponsors
Armed Services Committee
0 of 57 committee members cosponsored at the time
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Veterans' Affairs Committee
0 of 19 committee members cosponsored at the time
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
What laws does S. 1071 change?
139 changes
Sections Amended
Section 112(a) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 7013 note)
inserting ``2027,'' after ``fiscal years 2025,''
Section 168 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 133 Stat. 1251); and (B) how any new programs will utilize NSA High Assurance certified encryption and decryption. (3) Plans to integrate existing programs of record with new programs of record and plans to ensure all systems are interoperable with both fielded systems of the Army and the systems of foreign partners. (4) Plans to complete a developmental test campaign and a formal operational test and evaluation prior to fielding new capabilities to the operational forces for use other than for experimentation. Subtitle C--Navy Programs SEC. 121. MODIFICATION TO REQUIREMENTS FOR RECAPITALIZATION OF TACTICAL FIGHTER AIRCRAFT OF THE NAVY RESERVE. Section 127 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 138 Stat. 1806)
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 ``93 A-10 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory until October 1, 2026''
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
122 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3425)
238 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 130 Stat. 2067)
233 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 10 U.S.C. 4141 note prec.)
545 of Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159)
545 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 10 U.S.C. 8431 note prec.)
554 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 141 note)
913 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 3802)
1332 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 2007; 10 U.S.C. 301 note)
1256(c)(2) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note). SEC. 1272. REPEAL OF WAR-RELATED REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCLUDED OPERATIONS. Section 1221 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (10 U.S.C. 113 note)
1507 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 167b note)
922 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 10 U.S.C.2224 note). (b) 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)
413 of Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division X of Public Law 117-103; 50 U.S.C. 3373a)
2827 of Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 2866 note) that is accurate and reflects current mission requirements.''. (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 2827 of the 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. 2849. 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)
2887 of Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (division B of Public Law 106- 398; 114 Stat. 1654A-441)
1000(a)(7) of Public Law 106-113 and contained in appendix G of that Act; 113 Stat. 1501A-486))
105A of National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3039). TITLE LXVIII--REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS SEC. 6801. MODIFICATION AND REPEAL OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. (a) National Security Act of 1947.-- (1) Financial intelligence on terrorist assets.-- (A) Repeal.--Section 118 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3055)
121 of National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3061) is amended by striking subsection (c). (3) Personnel-level assessments for the intelligence community.--Section 506B of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3098)
833 of Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division X of Public Law 117-103; 136 Stat. 1035)
501 of Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (division N of Public Law 115-31; 50 U.S.C. 3001 note) is amended by striking subsection (h). (7) Notice of deployment or transfer of containerized missile system by russia or certain other countries.--Section 501 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (division M of Public Law 114-113)
1242 of Carl Levin and Howard P. `Buck' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 3563)
108 of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-114; 22 U.S.C. 6038)
210 of Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (14 U.S.C. 541 note)
223 of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3023) is amended-- (1) by striking ``permanent''; and (2) by striking ``the officer's commission shall be revoked and''. SEC. 8408. REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. (a) In General.--Section 204 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020 (33 U.S.C. 3079-1)
S. 1071 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Armed Services
- Chamber
- Senate
- Policy
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Introduced
- Mar 14, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-60.
Dec 18, 2025
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S. 1071 Common Questions
Does S. 1071 make Selective Service registration automatic?
Yes. S. 1071 makes Selective Service registration automatic, so eligible men can be registered through government records instead of filing on their own.
Can the Air Force still retire F-15E aircraft under S. 1071?
No. S. 1071 blocks the Air Force from retiring F-15E aircraft, keeping those planes in the fleet for now.
Does S. 1071 ban DeepSeek on intelligence systems?
Yes. S. 1071 prohibits use of DeepSeek on intelligence community systems.
Does S. 1071 ban Pentagon DEI programs?
Yes. S. 1071 prohibits Department of Defense DEI programs, making that restriction part of federal law.
Does S. 1071 require better inspections for military housing?
Yes. S. 1071 requires privatized and government-owned military housing to be inspected by qualified home inspectors.
Does S. 1071 set mold rules for military housing?
Yes. S. 1071 requires standardized mold remediation guidelines for military housing.
Does S. 1071 stop cuts to E-3 AWACS aircraft?
Yes. S. 1071 prohibits certain reductions to the E-3 AWACS inventory, limiting how fast the Air Force can phase those aircraft down.
Does S. 1071 create a defense AI institute?
Yes. S. 1071 creates a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute focused on defense-related AI work.
Based on S. 1071 bill text
S. 1071 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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