The House of Representatives passed its version of the fiscal year 2026 defense policy bill today, with members uniting to safeguard funding for military aid to Ukraine and expedite defense procurement.
Bipartisan Support for Ukraine and Taiwan
The 231-196 vote, largely divided along party lines due to culture war amendments, saw strong bipartisan support for maintaining military aid to Ukraine and Taiwan. Amendments from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., to prohibit funding for Ukraine and eliminate funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative were overwhelmingly defeated.
The House NDAA authorizes $400 million for Ukraine.
Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Mike Turner, R-Ohio, both members of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke against curbing military aid to Ukraine. Bacon argued that „A Ukrainian victory is in our security interests” and warned that Russia could exert military pressure on the Baltic countries if Ukraine falls. He stated, „It’s not conservative to appease [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.”
The Ukraine funding prohibition was rejected in a 60-372 vote, while the Taiwan amendment was defeated 9-422.
Streamlining Defense Acquisition
The centerpiece of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act is a comprehensive proposal aimed at accelerating and streamlining the defense acquisition process, specifically by reducing the time required for the Pentagon to validate requirements for new procurement programs.
The bill authorizes $848 billion for defense.
Partisan Divide
Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, opposed the bill due to „problematic amendments included in the rule that focus on divisive topics rather than strengthening our national security.” He also criticized House Republicans for blocking debate on Democrat-led amendments concerning issues such as the Trump administration’s use of the US military for domestic law enforcement.
„We didn’t get any of the amendments or debates that we wanted. Not a single solitary one,” Smith said on the floor.
Repeal of Iraq War Authorizations
Members voted in favor of an amendment to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) related to Iraq, with 49 Republicans joining Democrats in a 261-167 vote. Reps. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Chip Roy, R-Texas, have argued that the war authorizations are outdated and no longer relevant.
Amendments Targeting Transgender Individuals
Over Democrats’ objections, Republicans passed six amendments targeting transgender individuals, including one that prohibits the Pentagon from covering gender-related medical treatment under TRICARE.
Electric Vehicle Amendment
GOP members also successfully backed an amendment that eliminates a Pentagon preference for hybrid or electric vehicles.
Reconciliation with Senate Version
The House’s NDAA will need to be reconciled with the Senate’s version of the bill, which authorizes a topline that is $32 billion larger than the House version. The Senate is also debating its NDAA this week, with passage expected by the end of the week.
