Mr. President, had Kaine amendment No. 3337 to Calendar No. 115, S. 2296, FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA, been a recorded rollcall vote, I would have voted no.
S. 2296: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Introduced Jul 15, 20250 cosponsors
Sponsor
Roger Wicker
Republican · MS
The Pentagon bill now carries bigger political fights
4 min readLast updated July 29, 2026
Why it matters
S. 2296 spans 10 divisions — and reaches far beyond tanks and troop levels. **If this bill becomes law, it would change military admissions, academy sports, parts of military health care, and even require bottled water for some communities dealing with Pentagon-linked PFAS contamination.**
S. 2296 is the Senate's version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, the sprawling bill Congress uses to set Pentagon policy each year. This draft is organized into 10 divisions, covering Defense Department programs, military construction, nuclear security, intelligence, Coast Guard matters, housing, and parts of State Department policy.
But the most visible debate is not just about weapons systems or readiness. The bill uses must-pass defense legislation to push a wider set of policy changes on admissions, athletics, health care, China-linked procurement, and research security.
Some provisions are easy to picture in daily life. The bill would block retirement of the A-10, ban seafood from China in military commissaries, create a Pentagon biotechnology office, and tighten rules for colleges that take Defense Department research money and also work with certain foreign entities.
It also includes an environmental provision with direct local impact. Communities with private drinking water contaminated by Defense Department-linked PFAS would be entitled to bottled water under the bill.
Because this is an NDAA, the broad framework is likely to keep moving even if many individual provisions change. The real fight is which Senate provisions survive floor votes and then make it through negotiations with the House.
Bill Progress
IntroducedJul 15
Committee
Pass SenateOct 9
Pass House
Signed
Law
Latest Action · Nov 12, 2025
Passed the Senate, received in House
S. 2296 Bill Summary
What S. 2296 actually does.
1
Communities near bases could get bottled water
The bill says the Defense Department must provide bottled water to communities whose private drinking water is contaminated by Defense Department-linked PFAS.
2
Service academy admissions rules would change
The bill would bar military service academies from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in admissions decisions.
3
Female-designated academy sports would be limited by sex
The bill would prohibit males from participating in female-designated athletic programs at military service academies.
4
Military health coverage for transition surgeries would narrow
The bill restricts performance of sex-change surgeries in the military health system.
5
Chinese seafood would come off commissary shelves
The bill would bar seafood originating in or processed in China from being bought for or sold in military commissaries.
6
The Air Force would have to keep the A-10
The bill prohibits retirement of A-10 aircraft, keeping the plane in the inventory for now.
7
Pentagon-funded research would face tighter foreign ties rules
Colleges receiving Defense Department-funded research would be barred from certain contracts with foreign entities covered by the bill.
8
The Pentagon would get a dedicated biotechnology office
The bill establishes a Biotechnology Management Office inside the Defense Department.
Who benefits from S. 2296?
People near military bases with contaminated private wells
If your household water is affected by Defense Department-linked PFAS, the bill says you could receive bottled water instead of waiting for a separate fix.
A-10 crews and communities tied to A-10 bases
Pilots, maintainers, civilian workers, and local economies around A-10 installations would benefit if the aircraft cannot be retired yet.
Domestic and non-China seafood suppliers
Vendors that already supply commissaries without using China-based sourcing would have an easier path if the bill's procurement ban takes effect.
Defense officials focused on biotech and research security
The bill creates a dedicated biotechnology office and gives the Pentagon more structure for overseeing sensitive research and foreign-linked risks.
Who is affected by S. 2296?
Students applying to military service academies
Admissions offices would have to follow new rules barring consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion.
Cadets and academy athletic departments
Athletic programs at military service academies would have to enforce the bill's rules for female-designated sports.
Military patients and providers
The military health system would have to apply the bill's restrictions on sex-change surgeries.
Commissary systems and food suppliers
Stores and contractors serving military bases would need to stop buying or selling seafood covered by the bill's China restriction.
Universities with Defense Department research contracts
Schools doing Pentagon-funded research would face tighter limits on certain contracts with foreign entities.
On the Record
What Congress Is Saying
94 legislators have weighed in on S. 2296 — 44 Democrats, 48 Republicans, 2 Independents.
Mr. President, had Kaine amendment No. 3337 to Calendar No. 115, S. 2296, FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA, been a recorded rollcall vote, I would have voted no.
Mr. President, had Kaine amendment No. 3337 to Calendar No. 115, S. 2296, FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA, been a recorded rollcall vote, I would have voted no.
S. 2296 also appeared in 770 more Senate floor references and 55 routine cosponsor filings.
S2296 Legislative Journey
House: Action Taken
Nov 12, 2025
Held at the desk.
Action Taken
Nov 10, 2025
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed 77-20
Oct 9, 2025
Passed Senate under the order of 10/9/2025, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 77 - 20. Record Vote Number: 570.
+3 more actions this day
Floor Action
Oct 8, 2025
Considered by Senate.
Floor Action
Oct 6, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6943-6944)
Floor Action
Oct 1, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6889-6893)
Floor Action
Sep 30, 2025
Considered by Senate.
Floor Action
Sep 29, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6805-6813)
Floor Action
Sep 19, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6781-6784)
Floor Action
Sep 17, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6667)
Floor Action
Sep 16, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6625)
Floor Action
Sep 11, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6561)
Floor Action
Sep 10, 2025
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6512)
Floor Action
Sep 4, 2025
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S6050)
Floor Action
Sep 3, 2025
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5989)
Floor Action
Sep 2, 2025
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5539)
Action Taken
Aug 2, 2025
Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S5522)
Committee Action
Jul 15, 2025
Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.
Committee Action
Apr 9, 2025
Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 6.
Committee Action
Apr 8, 2025
Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 5.
Committee Action
Mar 5, 2025
Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 3.
About the Sponsor
Roger Wicker
Republican, MS · 31 years in Congress
Committees: Armed Services, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Commerce, Science, and Transportation
View full profile →
Committee Sponsors
Armed Services Committee
12D14R1I
|0 signed27 not yet0 of 27 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
14 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
What laws does S. 2296 change?
161 changes
Sections Amended
Section 112(a) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 7013 note; Public Law 118-31)
inserting ``2027,'' after ``fiscal years 2025,''
Section 233 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 10 U.S.C. 4141 note prec.) is repealed. SEC. 213. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ASSIGNMENT TO DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY OF PRIVATE SECTOR PERSONNEL WITH CRITICAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE. Section 232(e) of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 10 U.S.C. 4091 note prec.)
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''
Section 545(a) of Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159)
read as follows: ``(a) In General
Section 4403(i) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (Public Law 102-484; 10 U.S.C. 1293 note)
striking ``December 31, 2025'' and inserting ``December 31, 2030''
Section 323 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239; 126 Stat. 1696)
striking ``program executive officer'' and inserting ``portfolio acquisition executive''
Section 1092(b) of Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159; 10 U.S.C. 149 note)
read as follows: ``(b) Co-chairs
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.)
333 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 3062 note)
343 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note)
503(c) of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 573 note)
529 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 10 U.S.C. 656 note)
913(b) of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 10 U.S.C. 147 note)
219 of Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 210-1)
1332 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 2007; 10 U.S.C. 301 note)
2887 of Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (division B of Public Law 106- 398; 114 Stat. 1654A-440)
4220 of Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2538b)
103F of National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3031)
1019 of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (50 U.S.C. 3364) is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d). (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 6312(d)(1) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (50 U.S.C. 3364 note) is amended by striking ``In conjunction with each briefing provided under section 1019(c) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (50 U.S.C. 3364(c))'' and inserting ``Not later than February 1 each year''. (b) Personnel-level Assessments for the Intelligence Community.-- (1) In general.--Section 506B of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3098)
1261 of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239) is amended by striking subsection (e). (d) Reports by Director of National Intelligence on National Intelligence University Plan.-- (1) In general.--Section 1033 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3227b)
7003 of Energy Act of 2020 (50 U.S.C. 3372)
501 of Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (division M of Public Law 114-113)
108 of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22 U.S.C. 6038)
3534(j) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31)
8343 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283)
223(b) of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (30 U.S.C. 3023(b)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``permanent''; and (2) by striking ``the officer's commission shall be revoked and''. SEC. 5708. 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)
1205 of Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is abolished. (2) Repeal.--Section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d)
S. 2296 Quick Facts
Cosponsors
0
- Committee
- Armed Services
- Chamber
- Senate
- Policy
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Introduced
- Jul 15, 2025
Passed the Senate, received in House
Nov 12, 2025
S. 2296 Common Questions
What does S. 2296 actually do?
S. 2296 is the Senate's 2026 defense authorization bill. It covers Pentagon policy, military construction, nuclear security, intelligence, and more — but it also adds fights over academy admissions, sports, health care, and China-linked purchasing.
Would people near military bases get bottled water under S. 2296?
Yes. The bill says the Defense Department must provide bottled water to communities whose private drinking water is contaminated by Defense Department-linked PFAS.
Would S. 2296 change service academy admissions?
Yes. The bill would bar military service academies from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in admissions decisions.
Would S. 2296 change the rules for women's sports at service academies?
Yes. The bill would prohibit males from participating in female-designated athletic programs at military service academies.
Does S. 2296 restrict transition surgeries in the military health system?
Yes. The bill restricts performance of sex-change surgeries in the military health system.
Would Chinese seafood be banned from military commissaries?
Yes. The bill would bar seafood originating in or processed in China from being procured for or sold in military commissaries.
Can the Air Force retire the A-10 under S. 2296?
No. The bill prohibits retirement of A-10 aircraft, so the Air Force would have to keep them in the inventory for now.
Does S. 2296 tighten foreign ties for colleges doing Pentagon research?
Yes. Colleges conducting Defense Department-funded research would be barred from certain contracts with foreign entities covered by the bill.
Based on S. 2296 bill text
S. 2296 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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