National Defense Authorization Act Passed by House
The House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 on December 10, 2025. This annual defense bill emphasizes a budget of $900.6 billion, which includes a 4% pay increase for service members, supports advancements in technology like the Golden Dome defense system, and aims to bolster military readiness against threats from China and Russia.
The vote concluded with 312 in favor and 112 opposed. Among the dissenters were 94 Democrats and 18 Republicans. Notably, a preliminary vote had passed narrowly at 215-211 after four Republican representatives switched their positions from no to yes, following reassurances from party leaders and administration officials.
Interestingly, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) stood alone as the only Republican voting against the bill. He expressed strong criticism regarding the bill’s backing of continued support for Ukraine, detailing the $800 million set aside for security assistance through 2027, allowing Ukraine to purchase arms directly from U.S. defense contractors.
“I would vote for a pay raise for our soldiers, but they put it in there to try to get us to vote on everything else. There’s still a lot of waste left in this bill,” Massie remarked.
Overall, Democrats largely opposed the procedural rules vote. The NDAA is set to head to the Senate next week, which adds a layer of anticipation around its future.
Some conservative leaders expressed worry about the absence of any measures to prevent the establishment of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which they believe could drastically alter electronic payments overseen by the Federal Reserve. There’s a strong sentiment among many conservatives advocating against CBDCs, viewing it as vital for safeguarding personal privacy and civil liberties. They argue that a state-controlled digital currency would enable the government to monitor and potentially restrict individual transactions.
Interestingly, House leadership indicated that negotiations surrounding a bipartisan housing package eventually sidelined the proposed CBDC ban.
Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Mike Rogers, also highlighted that the bill seeks to reform the Pentagon’s inefficient acquisition process, aiming to ensure that the military can quickly obtain necessary equipment without enduring lengthy delays.
Furthermore, the NDAA is set to repeal a 2002 authorization for military force in Iraq and also plans to lift sanctions against Syria that were enacted during the first Trump administration.
