WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 8800 · 119th Congress

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

Passed HouseArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedMay 13, 2026
Passed HouseJul 22, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

What it does

Sourced

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2027 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs, activities, and military construction as well as the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE).

Among other elements, the bill

• authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft and ships;

• sets active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels;

• sets policy regarding various aspects of military health care and military compensation;

• sets policy regarding DOD acquisitions and acquisition management, including contracting authorities and the acquisition workforce;

• sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including matters concerning Israel, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific;

• sets policy for various matters related to DOD cybersecurity and artificial intelligence;

• requires DOD to include projected demand for foreign military sales in certain contexts, including munitions production planning, sustainment planning for major defense acquisition programs, and decisions regarding production rate increases of defense articles;

• requires DOD to establish an expedited qualification process for new domestic and allied sources of certain strategic materials, including specified metals, alloys, oxides, and magnets;

• authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years; and

• authorizes the National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Naval Petroleum Reserves, and Maritime Administration.

For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see

• In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA, and

• In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Reported to House, Jun 15, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. 2026-07-22Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 212 (Roll no. 278). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  2. 2026-06-15Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Armed Services. H. Rept. 119-698.Library of Congress
  3. 2026-05-13Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 84 recorded actions

Recorded votes

Sourced

Jul 22, 2026 · House roll call 277 · needed 1/2

On Motion to Recommit: Failed 213–216

R 2 yes, 215 no, 1 present or not votingI 0 yes, 1 noD 211 yes, 0 no, 1 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Jul 22, 2026 · House roll call 278 · needed 1/2

On Passage: Passed 216–212

R 209 yes, 7 no, 2 present or not votingI 1 yes, 0 noD 6 yes, 205 no, 1 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Adam Smith D-WA-9