S. 1071: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Sponsor
John Cornyn
Republican · TX
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Dec 18, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-60.
Why it matters
For the military services, this law means less freedom to shed aging platforms and reorganize around their own timelines; Congress is explicitly telling the Air Force to keep certain capacity in place, especially fighters and refueling aircraft. For the broader public, the biggest immediate change is automatic Selective Service registration, while the intelligence and national security bureaucracy gets a new technology restriction through Section 6604’s DeepSeek ban on intelligence community systems. Conservatives who wanted DEI rolled back got a clear win, while Pentagon leaders who prefer managerial flexibility and advocates of diversity initiatives took a loss.
S. 1071 Common Questions
Does the 2026 NDAA require automatic Selective Service registration?
Yes. Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, automatic registration for the Selective Service System is mandated in Section 535.
Can the Air Force retire F-15E aircraft under the 2026 NDAA?
No. Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Air Force is prohibited from retiring F-15E aircraft in Section 142.
Does the 2026 NDAA ban DeepSeek on intelligence community systems?
Yes. According to S. 1071 Section 6604, use of DeepSeek is prohibited on intelligence community systems.
Can the Pentagon run DEI programs under the 2026 NDAA?
No. Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Department of Defense diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are prohibited in Section 901.
Is there a minimum number of Air Force refueling tankers in the 2026 NDAA?
Yes. Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Section 141 sets minimum inventory requirements for refueling tankers.
Does the 2026 NDAA stop the Air Force from retiring E-3 AWACS aircraft?
Yes. According to S. 1071 Section 149, the Air Force may not retire E-3 AWACS aircraft.
What are the military housing inspection requirements in the 2026 NDAA?
Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, privatized and government-owned military housing must be inspected by qualified home inspectors under Section 2831.
Does the 2026 NDAA require mold standards for military housing?
Yes. Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Section 2830 requires standardized mold remediation guidelines for military housing.
Is Fort Hood Texas mentioned in the 2026 NDAA land provisions?
Yes. According to S. 1071 Section 2865, the bill includes a specific land conveyance or prohibition directive involving Fort Hood, Texas.
Does the 2026 NDAA create a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute?
Yes. Under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Section 224 establishes the National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute.
Based on S. 1071 bill text
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 (1)
This bill has 1 cosponsor: 1 Republican. Cosponsors represent 1 state: Texas.
Committee Sponsors
Armed Services Committee
0 of 57 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Veterans' Affairs Committee
0 of 19 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
40 Republicans across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
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
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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