S. 1071: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Sponsor
John Cornyn
Republican · TX
Defense readiness now depends on factories and allies
Why it matters
Four of the law’s biggest funding categories alone total $536.3 billion. S. 1071 sets the size of the armed forces, protects selected ships and aircraft from cuts, redirects defense supply chains and changes Selective Service registration.
S. 1071 is now Public Law 119-60, the fiscal year 2026 defense authorization law. It authorizes $291.5 billion for operations and maintenance, $193.2 billion for military personnel, $17.5 billion for military construction and $34.1 billion for atomic-energy defense activities.
The law sets 1,302,800 active-duty positions across the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force. It also authorizes 50,000 Coast Guard personnel for fiscal year 2026, rising to 55,000 in fiscal year 2027.
Congress locked in parts of the military’s hardware plan. The law authorizes contracts for up to two Ford-class aircraft carriers and five Columbia-class submarines, preserves at least 16 E-3 surveillance aircraft and gradually raises the aerial-refueling tanker floor from 466 to 502.
Defense suppliers now face deadlines to remove covered components tied to China, Russia, North Korea, Belarus and Iran. The optical-glass and display phaseout reaches 2030, while computer and printer compliance rises in stages to 100% beginning in fiscal year 2029. Battery restrictions phase in between 2028 and 2031.
The law authorizes $400 million for Ukraine in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027, up to $1 billion for Taiwan in fiscal year 2026, and a mix of loans, guarantees and grants for the Philippines. It also restricts prolonged reductions below 76,000 permanently stationed U.S. personnel in Europe or 28,500 on the Korean Peninsula unless required certifications are made.
Beginning one year after enactment, eligible males ages 18 through 25 are registered automatically for Selective Service rather than having to register themselves. Registration does not itself activate a draft.
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Dec 18, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-60.
S. 1071 Bill Summary
What S. 1071 actually does.
The armed forces receive 1.3 million active-duty positions
The law sets fiscal year 2026 active-duty strength at 454,000 for the Army, 344,600 for the Navy, 172,300 for the Marine Corps, 321,500 for the Air Force and 10,400 for the Space Force. It separately authorizes 50,000 Coast Guard personnel.
Selected ships and aircraft stay in the force
The law authorizes contracts for up to two Ford-class carriers, up to five Columbia-class submarines and up to 15 Medium Landing Ships. It raises the tanker minimum in stages to 502, pauses F-15E retirements for fiscal year 2026 and preserves at least 16 E-3 aircraft.
Critical components shift away from five countries
The Pentagon must end reliance on North Korea, China, Russia, Belarus and Iran for covered optical glass, optical systems and computer displays by January 1, 2030. Related computer, printer and battery restrictions take effect in stages from 2026 through 2031.
Selective Service registration becomes automatic
Beginning one year after enactment, eligible males ages 18 through 25 are registered automatically for Selective Service. The change replaces the requirement that each person complete registration independently; it does not activate a draft.
Security assistance expands across three regions
The law authorizes $400 million for Ukraine in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027, up to $1 billion for Taiwan in fiscal year 2026, and up to $1 billion in loans or guarantees plus as much as $500 million a year in grants for the Philippines through fiscal year 2030.
Nuclear production capacity rises toward 80 pits
The stockpile schedule calls for at least 30 war-reserve plutonium pits in 2026 and at least 80 in 2030. Los Alamos must maintain capacity for at least 30 annually, while the Savannah River facility must maintain capacity for at least 50.
Who benefits from S. 1071?
The 1.3 million authorized active-duty service members and their families
The law authorizes $193.2 billion for military personnel and another $12.9 billion for Medicare-eligible retiree health care. It also lets eligible military and civilian families use foreign airlines to move one to three cats or dogs when no certified U.S. carrier can provide the trip.
Families using PFAS-contaminated private wells near military sites
Eligible households must be offered another source of drinking water when Defense Department-related PFAS contamination affects their private wells. A public dashboard is also required to show cleanup progress.
U.S. shipyards and manufacturers replacing restricted suppliers
Domestic businesses gain opportunities as the Pentagon phases out covered foreign optical systems, displays and batteries. The law also authorizes $105 million for small shipyards and workforce training.
Ukraine, Taiwan and security partners in the Philippines
Ukraine receives $800 million in authorized assistance across two fiscal years, Taiwan receives up to $1 billion for fiscal year 2026, and the Philippines becomes eligible for loans, guarantees and grants through fiscal year 2030.
Who is affected by S. 1071?
Eligible males turning 18 after the new system begins
They are registered automatically for Selective Service beginning one year after enactment and remain covered through age 25. Registration creates no immediate requirement to enter military service.
Defense contractors using restricted foreign components
Suppliers must document compliance as restrictions phase in. False attestations can carry liability, waivers require written justification and some noncompliant products become ineligible for new Pentagon purchases.
Companies in China, Russia, North Korea, Belarus and Iran
Businesses tied to these countries lose access to covered Pentagon supply chains as restrictions on optical systems, displays and other components take effect.
Merchant mariners and vessel operators
Grossly negligent operation that endangers people or property carries criminal penalties, with stronger penalties when serious bodily injury results. Abandoning a vessel for more than 45 days can trigger a civil penalty of up to $500.
Cost & Funding
Authorization
Four major categories total $536.3 billion, with additional authorizations elsewhere in the law.
- Operations and maintenance receives $291.54 billion, or about 54% of the $536.3 billion combined amount for the four highlighted categories.
- Military personnel receives $193.15 billion, plus $12.85 billion for Medicare-eligible retiree health-care contributions.
- Military construction receives $17.52 billion, including $1.75 billion for family housing and $150 million for an Indo-Pacific construction pilot.
- Atomic-energy defense activities receive $34.11 billion, including $21.03 billion for weapons activities and $2.10 billion for naval reactors.
- Other defense programs receive $43.90 billion, including $40.53 billion for the Defense Health Program.
- The law authorizes spending but does not itself guarantee that every authorized dollar is appropriated or spent.
- Transfers among general defense accounts are capped at $6 billion.
What Congress Said
S. 1071 was signed into law on Jan 5, 2026.
S. 1071 also appeared in 6 more House floor references, 30 more Senate floor references, 2 in the Extensions of Remarks, and 17 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
Official Sources
Congress.gov provides the official legislative history, actions, text, and status of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
GovInfo provides the authenticated public-law version of S. 1071 as enacted.
The enrolled-bill package contains the official text passed by Congress and presented to the President.
Defense Department budget materials provide official fiscal year 2026 funding documentation for military personnel, operations, procurement, and other defense accounts.
The Selective Service System explains federal registration requirements and the distinction between registration and induction into military service.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency describes the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through which the law authorizes additional assistance.
This Defense Department resource explains its response to PFAS contamination, including investigation and cleanup activity affecting communities near military installations.
The National Nuclear Security Administration explains the plutonium-pit production mission at Los Alamos and the Savannah River Site addressed by the law.
The Maritime Administration describes the Small Shipyard Grant Program supported by the law's shipyard and workforce authorization.
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S. 1071 Common Questions
Was the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act signed into law?
Yes. S. 1071 became Public Law 119-60 on December 18, 2025. It now governs fiscal year 2026 defense policy and sets additional implementation deadlines through 2031.
How much military funding does the 2026 defense law authorize?
Four major categories total $536.3 billion: $291.5 billion for operations, $193.2 billion for personnel, $17.5 billion for construction and $34.1 billion for atomic-energy defense work.
Does the 2026 defense law automatically register men for Selective Service?
Yes. Beginning one year after enactment, eligible males ages 18 through 25 are registered automatically. Registration does not itself start a draft or require anyone to enter military service.
How much Ukraine aid is in the 2026 defense law?
The law authorizes $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in fiscal year 2026 and another $400 million in fiscal year 2027, for $800 million total.
Does the law require NATO countries to spend 5% of GDP on defense?
It sets a U.S. policy goal for NATO members to reach 5% by 2035: 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for other security investments. Congress cannot directly set another country’s budget.
Which foreign suppliers does the Pentagon have to phase out?
Covered optical glass, optical systems and computer displays tied to China, Russia, North Korea, Belarus or Iran must be phased out by January 1, 2030. Other technology restrictions follow separate schedules.
Can families get replacement water for PFAS-contaminated private wells?
Yes. The Defense Department must offer alternative drinking water to eligible households when military-related PFAS contamination affects their private wells.
Can military families use foreign airlines to transport pets overseas?
Yes, when no certified U.S. airline is willing or able to provide the service. The exception covers one to three domestic cats or dogs traveling for military members or Defense Department civilian employees.
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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