Mr. President, before I begin, I want to mention the very welcome news that the first phase of the historic Israel-Gaza peace plan brokered by President Trump and his administration, working with allies and partners in the region, has been agreed to. This will finally mean the release of all remaining hostages, living and dead, who have been held by Hamas since its October 7, 2023, attack. It is vital that Israel and especially Hamas implement the terms of this agreement as quickly as possible so that this can truly mark the beginning of an end to the bloodshed.
S. 2296: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Introduced Jul 15, 20250 cosponsors
Sponsor
Roger Wicker
Republican · MS
A 1.3 million-person military runs on more than weapons
4 min readLast updated October 30, 2026
Why it matters
1,302,800 active-duty positions, $181.063 billion for military personnel and as many as 20 new submarines and landing ships are at stake. S. 2296 would shape where you serve, what equipment you use and how the Pentagon buys technology.
S. 2296 would authorize 1,302,800 active-duty positions and 771,900 Selected Reserve positions for fiscal year 2026. The active-duty total includes 454,000 Army, 344,600 Navy, 172,300 Marine Corps, 321,500 Air Force and 10,400 Space Force personnel.
The Navy could procure up to five Columbia-class submarines beginning in fiscal year 2026 and up to 15 Medium Landing Ships across fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill would also preserve at least 103 A-10 aircraft for the year, retain 34 F-15E aircraft through September 2027 and require planning for a 31-ship amphibious fleet.
Pentagon systems and contractors would have 30 days after enactment to stop using covered artificial intelligence developed by DeepSeek, High Flyer or specified affiliates. Separately, the Defense Department would have to qualify 1 million advanced-manufactured parts by the end of 2027 and create plans for military AI, open F-35 computing systems and technologies that could match human performance across many cognitive tasks.
The bill would prevent fiscal year 2026 funds from being used for troop reductions below 76,000 in the European Command area or 28,500 in South Korea until required reviews are completed. It would also set targets of at least 400 deployable intercontinental ballistic missiles, 450 launch facilities and initial Sentinel missile operations by September 2033.
Military families would see more targeted provisions. The bill would provide $50 million to school districts serving large numbers of military children, create a three-year child-development pilot at no fewer than three installations and connect the food allowance to the monthly cost of a specified federal food plan.
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
More than 1.3 million active-duty positions
The bill would authorize 1,302,800 active-duty positions and another 771,900 Selected Reserve positions for fiscal year 2026. The Army would remain the largest active-duty service at 454,000 personnel.
2
The Navy could order 20 major vessels
The Navy could procure up to five Columbia-class submarines and 15 Medium Landing Ships. Its long-range shipbuilding plan would have to support a fleet of 31 amphibious warfare ships.
3
One million advanced-manufactured parts
The Defense Department would have to qualify 1 million parts made through advanced manufacturing by the end of 2027. Unmanned vessels would also have to operate continuously for 720 hours without maintenance to their main propulsion or electrical systems before receiving certification.
4
DeepSeek AI leaves Pentagon systems
Within 30 days of enactment, the Defense Department would have to remove covered AI developed by DeepSeek, High Flyer and specified affiliates. Contractors would have to stop using the same covered systems for Pentagon work.
5
Overseas troop floors limit drawdowns
The bill would restrict funding for reductions below 76,000 U.S. personnel in the European Command area and 28,500 in South Korea until Congress receives required reviews and certifications.
6
Nuclear modernization gets fixed targets
The Sentinel missile program would face a September 2033 deadline for initial operations. The bill would require at least 400 deployable intercontinental ballistic missiles, 450 launch facilities and eventually 80 newly produced plutonium pits each year beginning in 2032.
Who benefits from S. 2296?
Service members and their children
Families stationed near heavily military-connected schools would share $50 million in education support. Children from birth through age 12 could receive care through a three-year pilot operating at no fewer than three installations.
Shipyard trades and defense manufacturing workers
Welders, pipefitters, mechanics, engineers and apprentices could see work tied to as many as five Columbia-class submarines and 15 Medium Landing Ships. Covered public shipyard workforces could not be reduced with specified funds through 2029.
Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. security partners
Ukraine would be eligible for $500 million in fiscal year 2026 security assistance. The bill would also authorize up to $200 million across Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow 3, with at least half of the latter two programs’ work produced in the United States.
University researchers and early-career technical workers
A new Army program would connect active-duty divisions with national research universities. A secure incubator would begin with at least three universities and grow to at least 10, while up to 60 training-corps graduates a year could enter federal technical jobs.
Who is affected by S. 2296?
Defense contractors and suppliers
Companies would have to flag covered prices that rise at least 25% in one year or 50% over five years. They could also face new repair-document requirements, performance reporting and restrictions on covered AI.
Universities taking Pentagon research money
Beginning in 2027, covered institutions generally could not contract with specified countries or foreign entities of concern. Universities would need compliance officers and English translations of non-English contracts, with limited national-security waivers.
Foreign-linked technology and seafood vendors
The Pentagon would phase out covered Chinese computing and printing equipment, restrict additive-manufacturing machines from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and bar covered Chinese-origin or Chinese-processed seafood from procurement and commissary sales.
Cadets, Guard members and academy athletes
Academy athletes taking professional or Olympic sports contracts would incur a five-year service obligation. National Guard disaster-response duty would generally be limited to 14 days per person each year unless the president declares a qualifying disaster, and academy women’s athletic programs would be governed by the bill’s birth-sex eligibility rule.
Cost & Funding
Authorization
The bill does not present one overall authorization total in the supplied materials. Major amounts include $181.063 billion for military personnel, $40.842 billion for the Defense Health Program and $35.175 billion for Department of Energy national-security programs.
- Military personnel and the Defense Health Program together would receive about $221.905 billion.
- Listed research and development authorizations across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and defense-wide accounts total about $142.73 billion.
- The bill would authorize $500 million for Ukraine security assistance and up to $200 million for three Israeli missile-defense programs.
- The defense secretary could transfer up to $6 billion among eligible fiscal year 2026 authorizations, subject to the bill’s exclusions.
- Required cost-or-pricing disclosures would begin at $10 million for prime contracts, five times the current $2 million threshold. The subcontract threshold would rise from $750,000 to $2 million.
- Energy Department contractors that fail to provide required worker-safety training could face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day.
On the Record
What Congress Is Saying
122 legislators have weighed in on S. 2296 — 56 Democrats, 64 Republicans, 2 Independents.
Mr. President, I rise to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The Armed Services Committee approved this bill in July by a wide bipartisan vote of 26 to 1. I appreciated the opportunity to work with Senator Wicker and commend him for his leadership in this regard and also my colleagues on the committee who worked to produce this bill that we are now considering on the floor. But before I turn to the details of the bill, I must take a moment to address the ongoing deployment of National Guard troops here in the capital and across the country.
Mr. President, in just a few weeks, millions of Americans will start the process of picking new health insurance plans, and I believe a number of them are going to see the cost of their health insurance double. This is, unfortunately, not a mistake. It is the price of Washington failing them. And it is not just a number on a bill. It is the first sign for these families that their lives are going to be much harder. We are now 8 days into a government shutdown, but, make no mistake, this debate isn't about something happening here in this building.
S. 2296 also appeared in 1 more House floor reference, 890 more Senate floor references, and 85 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
12D13R1I
|0 signed26 not yet0 of 26 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
13 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
Official Sources
S. 2296 on Congress.gov
The official bill page provides S. 2296's legislative status, sponsor, actions, text and related documents.
S. 2296 Bill Text
The official legislative text contains the proposed personnel levels, procurement authorities, technology restrictions and funding provisions.
Senate Report 119-39
The Senate Armed Services Committee report provides official explanations and recommendations accompanying S. 2296.
Navy Columbia-Class Ballistic Missile Submarines
The Navy fact file explains the Columbia-class submarine program for which S. 2296 would provide multiyear procurement authority.
Air Force LGM-35A Sentinel
The Air Force fact sheet describes the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system addressed by the bill's nuclear-modernization requirements.
Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency page explains the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative that S. 2296 would fund and extend.
Federal Acquisition Regulation—Certified Cost or Pricing Data Threshold
This Federal Acquisition Regulation provision establishes the existing framework for certified cost or pricing data that the bill would modify.
Department of Defense FY2026 Budget Materials
The Defense Department comptroller's budget materials provide official fiscal year 2026 funding context for the bill's authorizations.
NNSA Plutonium Pit Production
The National Nuclear Security Administration page explains plutonium-pit production relevant to the bill's nuclear-stockpile production target.
S. 2296 Common Questions
Did S. 2296 become law?
No. S. 2296 is held at the desk and has not been signed into law. Its staffing levels, funding and policy changes would take effect only if Congress passes a final bill and the president signs it.
How many active-duty troops would S. 2296 authorize?
The bill would authorize 1,302,800 active-duty positions: 454,000 Army, 344,600 Navy, 172,300 Marine Corps, 321,500 Air Force and 10,400 Space Force.
Does S. 2296 ban DeepSeek AI at the Pentagon?
It would require the Pentagon to remove covered AI developed by DeepSeek, High Flyer and specified affiliates within 30 days of enactment. Contractors would have to stop using it for Pentagon work.
How many submarines and landing ships could the Navy buy?
S. 2296 would allow procurement of up to five Columbia-class submarines beginning in fiscal year 2026 and up to 15 Medium Landing Ships across fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Would S. 2296 prevent troop reductions in Europe and South Korea?
It would restrict fiscal year 2026 funding for reductions below 76,000 personnel in the European Command area or 28,500 in South Korea until required reviews and certifications are completed.
How much Ukraine aid would S. 2296 authorize?
The bill would authorize $500 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in fiscal year 2026 and extend the program through the end of 2028.
What nuclear missile targets are in S. 2296?
The bill would require at least 400 deployable intercontinental ballistic missiles and 450 launch facilities. It sets September 2033 as the deadline for the Sentinel system’s initial operations.
How would S. 2296 change contractor pricing disclosures?
The disclosure threshold would rise from $2 million to $10 million for prime contracts and from $750,000 to $2 million for subcontracts. That is a fivefold increase for prime contracts.
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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