# Congress Debates FY2026 Defense Authorization

Congress faces elevated but unresolved risk of delay or failure for the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes defense policy and funding priorities. The signals cite differing budget figures: one identifies a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request, while the other describes disagreement over a $1.15 trillion topline. Issues under discussion also include potential limits on contracting with companies that conduct stock buybacks or pay dividends and expanded troops’ right to repair equipment. Lawmakers are targeting completion by Thanksgiving 2026, after the November midterm elections; as of October 30, that target is about four weeks away.

- The NDAA is an authorization bill, not a contract award. Its final funding levels and policy language could affect the timing, scale, and requirements of future defense opportunities.
- Companies should avoid basing forecasts solely on either cited topline and plan for changes to funding and acquisition policy as negotiations proceed.
- Contractors should evaluate potential exposure to the proposed buyback and dividend limits and assess how expanded right-to-repair provisions could affect equipment design, sustainment, technical data, and support strategies if enacted.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Policy, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Congress (Congress)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- House Armed Services Committee (HASC)
- Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)

### Sources
- [Is the NDAA actually in trouble?](https://punchbowl.news/article/policy/is-ndaa-actually-in-trouble) - Punchbowl News
- [Congress’ 65-year defense bill streak could be in jeopardy](https://thehill.com/policy/defense/6181202-ndaa-passage-threatened-partisan-infighting) - The Hill