The United States House of Representatives revealed the latest version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Sunday night, which governs the budget usage and policy direction for the Pentagon in the fiscal year 2026. The 3,086-page document covers key issues such as nuclear weapons, missile defense, space operations, military deployments in the Indo-Pacific region, and strengthens defense strategies against the Chinese Communist Party and Russia.
Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, stated that this year’s NDAA incorporates 15 executive orders from former President Trump into law, ends the “woke ideology” within the Pentagon, enhances border security, revitalizes the defense industrial base, and reinstates a warrior spirit, aligning with the policy agenda of “peace through strength” of President Trump and the Republican Party.
The new NDAA focuses on ensuring the U.S. military maintains the strongest global fighting force to deter any hostile powers, reinstates promotion and military academy admission standards based on merit, prohibits contracts with politically motivated companies, and eliminates harmful and unnecessary programs like Critical Race Theory and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
President Trump has made it clear that investments supporting the Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive behavior over the past few decades must cease, and this legislation contains crucial safeguards to protect long-term American investments, economic interests, and sensitive data.
The House version of the NDAA introduced initiatives to expand U.S. anti-drone defense capabilities and new technologies, invest in shipbuilding, strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and supply chain, and provide a 4% pay raise for military personnel.
The legislation calls for joint mobilization exercises between reserve and active-duty forces within a year, with coordination involving the Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Indo-Pacific Command to evaluate U.S. military capabilities for high-intensity conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region, including rapid deployment, force maintenance, and joint actions with Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
Additionally, the bill incorporates clauses related to technological advancements and weapon development, including enhancing the U.S.’s nuclear deterrence capabilities to counter threats from China and Russia.
The NDAA also includes provisions regarding Israel to strengthen military cooperation, such as joint missile defense programs like the “Golden Dome.”
Furthermore, the legislation supports deploying the National Guard and active-duty troops to the southern border to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
The House version of the NDAA authorizes up to $1 billion in military aid to Taiwan for the fiscal year 2026, requiring the Secretary of Defense to initiate a joint unmanned systems development and production program with Taiwan by March 2026, in compliance with the Taiwan Relations Act.
The allocated $1 billion can be used to advance Taiwan’s security cooperation initiatives, enhance capabilities in medical equipment, supplies, and battlefield casualty care.
The bill also calls for increased joint training opportunities between the U.S. military and the Taiwan Coast Guard.
Under the legislation, the Office of the Secretary of Defense must submit two reports: the Taiwan Security Assistance Roadmap – a multi-year plan to meet Taiwan’s defense needs, and a feasibility report to support Taiwan in establishing a regional contingency stockpile. Failure to submit these reports will result in the U.S. only using 75% of travel funds.
Moreover, the Secretary of Defense is required to brief Congress annually on progress until 2029, including advancements in mutually beneficial procurement memoranda, Security of Supply Agreements, and General Security of Military Information Agreements signed by the U.S. and Taiwan.
The House unveiled the NDAA with the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, backings Taiwan’s inclusion in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and removed content inviting Taiwan to participate in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).
This legislation differs from the Senate version, which passed its NDAA in October.
The House version of the NDAA does not include the affordable housing proposal found in the Senate version. Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, French Hill, announced plans to introduce alternative legislation in December to promote affordable housing policies.
Hill stated that the committee aims to address housing cost and affordability issues for American families and renters, intending to collaborate with the Senate next year to propose a bipartisan bill that offers more affordable housing options.