Senate Approves $925B Defense Bill in Bipartisan Vote

The Senate on Thursday approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a 77–20 bipartisan vote, advancing $924.7 billion in military funding for fiscal year 2026.

The Details: The bipartisan measure covers new submarines, fighter jets, a 3.8% pay raise for troops, and reforms to defense contracting and procurement. It also extends Ukraine aid through 2028 with $500 million, expands the F-35A program, and directs studies on AI and emerging technologies, while accelerating drone development. The bill had been stalled since early September as senators disagreed over amendment votes, but Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) reached a deal to consider 17 stand-alone amendments and a package of roughly 50 others, allowing the legislation to move forward. 

For Context: Passage of the NDAA clears the way for negotiations with the House, which passed its own $893 billion version in September, which included provisions such as a ban on gender transition treatments for minors under TRICARE and restrictions on military deployments in US cities. These are not present in the Senate version. Lawmakers from both chambers will now begin the conference process to reconcile the differences.

How the Media Covered It: The New York Times (Lean Left bias) said the bill "reflects how members of both parties continue to [pour] vast sums into the military" even as President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) move to cut government spending. It compared the Senate and House bill, noting the Senate version restricts diversity, equity and inclusion practices and gender transition treatment. Fox News (Right) emphasized the size of the bill, saying senators "charged through over a dozen partisan amendments and a massive batch of roughly 50 add-ons." The Hill (Center) highlighted the urgency behind passing the bill amid the government shutdown. It quoted Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), saying, "We simply cannot delay this process any longer."

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