United States Bills

# Summary of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 This document is a draft of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, containing comprehensive provisions related to military personnel, benefits, education, and operations. Here's a summary of key sections: ## Military Personnel Authorizations - **Active Forces**: Authorized strengths as of September 30, 2026: - Army: 454,000 - Navy: 344,600 - Marine Corps: 172,300 - Air Force: 321,500 - Space Force: 10,400 - **Reserve Forces**: Authorized strengths for Selected Reserve personnel: - Army National Guard: 328,000 - Army Reserve: 172,000 - Navy Reserve: 57,500 - Marine Corps Reserve: 33,600 - Air National Guard: 106,300 - Air Force Reserve: 67,500 - Coast Guard Reserve: 7,000 ## Key Policy Changes 1. **Space Force Officer Management**: - New provisions for Space Force general officers serving in active status but not on sustained duty - Authorized strength of 5 Space Force general officers in active status not on sustained duty 2. **Service Academy Admissions**: - Prohibition on consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in admissions decisions - Increased number of alternates from 9 to 14 for all service academies 3. **Military Justice**: - Notification requirements for removal of Judge Advocates General - Enhanced efficiency in Disability Evaluation System reviews 4. **Reserve Component Management**: - Expansion of authority to waive limitations on release of reserves from active duty within two years of retirement eligibility - Disestablishment of Navy Reserve Center system 5. **Family and Education**: - New provisions for military dependents' education, including: - Assistance to local educational agencies with significant numbers of military dependent students - Improved management of special education in DODEA schools - Regulations on portable electronic mobile device use in DODEA schools - Support for expanding early child care options 6. **Compensation and Benefits**: - Modifications to calculation of basic allowance for subsistence - Increased awareness and improved calculation of rates for basic allowance for housing - Educational campaign to improve understanding of military compensation 7. **Training and Education**: - Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law - Integration of Strategic Thinkers Program with professional military education - Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education 8. **Other Significant Provisions**: - Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs designated for women - Pathway for cadets and midshipmen to play professional sports - Expansion of authority for Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors This legislation represents a comprehensive approach to military personnel management, addressing recruitment, retention, training, compensation, family support, and operational readiness across all branches of the military.

This bill requires every Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center to provide dedicated lactation spaces for women veterans and the public. It mandates these spaces be private, accessible (including for wheelchair users), equipped with seating and a surface, clearly marked, and free from bathroom use. The law directly affects women veterans and other users who need to express breast milk at VA facilities. The VA must implement these changes within two years of the bill's enactment.

This resolution (SRES 494) is a commemorative Senate measure observing the 50th anniversary of the November 10, 1975, sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior, which resulted in the loss of all 29 crew members. It formally recognizes the tragedy, honors the deceased crew and their families, and acknowledges the storm that caused the disaster - the "storm of the century" with 100 mph winds and 50-foot waves. The resolution also highlights the ship's historical significance as a record-breaking freighter and its cultural legacy through Gordon Lightfoot's song, while reaffirming support for Great Lakes shipping safety. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new policies or affect any specific groups directly.

SRES 498 is a Senate resolution designating April 3, 2025, and April 3, 2026, as "Jane Goodall Day" to commemorate the birth of Dr. Jane Goodall and honor her work as a pioneering ethologist, conservationist, and activist. The resolution formally recognizes her contributions through the Jane Goodall Institute, her Roots & Shoots youth program, and her global environmental advocacy, without creating new laws or altering policies. It is purely commemorative, with no direct impact on legislation or affected parties.

This resolution expresses support for designating November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." It honors students whose parents did not earn bachelor's degrees, recognizing their contributions to the workforce and the role of the Higher Education Act of 1965 in supporting them. The resolution encourages nationwide recognition of this day and celebrates the Act's programs like Federal TRIO and Pell Grants. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

This resolution permits Senate staff, members, and officers to collect non-monetary holiday donations (clothing, toys, food, housewares) from each other within Senate buildings during the holiday season. The donations must support charities serving people in need or military families and must comply with Senate rules and federal law. It expires at the end of the first session of the 119th Congress. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but modifies Senate building collection rules.

SRES 495 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (marking the 1975 fall of Saigon) and honoring U.S. veterans who served in the conflict. It formally acknowledges the sacrifices of over 58,000 veterans who died, 300,000 wounded, and 1,545 missing in action, while commending efforts like the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to account for missing service members. The resolution urges public observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, reaffirms respect for veterans’ service, and highlights memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to veterans and their families.

This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on U.S. manufacturing of critical infrastructure products. It requires identifying imported goods that U.S. factories can't produce due to supply chain gaps, analyzing job impacts and product costs, and assessing feasibility for manufacturing in rural areas or industrial parks. The study must be completed within 18 months, with a public report to Congress containing findings and recommendations. This bill affects the Department of Commerce (as the study lead) and will inform future policy decisions about domestic manufacturing, but does not create new regulations or funding. It is a procedural study bill with no direct impact on businesses or consumers until recommendations are implemented.

The NET Act (S 503) amends the Communications Act to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess how the availability of network equipment impacted the deployment of advanced telecommunications services during specific reporting periods. This change specifically adds a new requirement for the FCC to evaluate this impact, using data already available to the Commission. The bill does not impose new data collection requirements on telecom providers beyond what was previously mandated under Section 13 of the Communications Act. It primarily adjusts existing FCC reporting procedures through technical amendments to the law.

This resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, marking November 10, 2025, as the anniversary date. It honors Marine Corps history, values, and service through ceremonial recognition, including tribute to fallen Marines and the motto *Semper Fidelis*. As a symbolic resolution with no policy or funding changes, it directly affects the Marine Corps community and encourages public participation in anniversary events, but does not alter laws or obligations.

This Senate resolution (SRES 463) expresses symbolic condemnation of China's persecution of religious minorities, specifically highlighting the detention of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and Zion Church leaders following a reported October 10, 2025, abduction. It directly addresses the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government, calling on it to release detained religious leaders and end violence against Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists. The resolution reaffirms U.S. policy commitments under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 and the Frank R. Wolf Act, emphasizing the U.S. global role in promoting religious freedom. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a diplomatic statement urging China to respect internationally recognized religious freedom rights.

SRES 485 designates October 2025 as "National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month" to highlight historical and ongoing health impacts of toxic exposures faced by veterans, military families, and civilians near bases. The resolution calls for public recognition of these impacts, encourages veterans to access Department of Veterans Affairs resources, and urges continued efforts to prevent future exposures. It does not create new benefits or alter existing programs but serves as a symbolic awareness measure, referencing past legislation like the PACT Act while focusing on education and commemoration. This designation directly affects veterans, military families, and communities impacted by toxic exposures during service.