BGOV OnPoint: Defense Policy Bill Set for Senate Votes

The Senate teed up votes on its $925.8 billion defense authorization bill for fiscal 2026 when lawmakers return from recess the first week in September.

The measure (S. 2296) would authorize $32 billion more than the Trump administration requested for defense programs, including for more shipbuilding and F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. By contrast, a draft House measure (H.R. 3838) would authorize $892.6 billion, which is largely in line with the administration’s request.

When combined with resources provided under the GOP reconciliation bill (Public Law 119-21), defense spending could top $1 trillion — a first ...