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Lawmakers in the House have approved the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a record $901 billion in military spending.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Every year, Congress passes an NDAA, a crucial piece of legislation that outlines the US military’s policies, priorities, and funding levels. While it doesn’t actually allocate money (that’s donethrough separate appropriations bills), the NDAA authorizes how the Department of Defense can spend its budget (covering everything from troop salaries and equipment purchases to long-term strategy and military readiness). It’s considered “must-pass” legislation because it ensures the military can operate smoothly and remain prepared for global threats.

Getting into it: In a notable development, the House passed the 2026 NDAA with a bipartisan vote of 312–112, sending the bill to the Senate, where it’s expected to pass easily before landing on President Trump’s desk for signature. The $901 billion authorized in this bill marks the highest defense budget in US history, and it backs sweeping upgrades to America’s military capabilities. It funds next-gen weapons systems like the F-47 fighter jet, the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, collaborative AI-powered drone wingmen, and modernizes critical munitions like Tomahawks, Javelins, and artillery rounds.

Other shit in there: There’s $26 billion set aside for shipbuilding, including a new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, a Virginia-class attack sub, and advanced procurement for future destroyers. The Pentagon is also authorized to buy 47 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, aligning with its revised procurement plan focused more on sustainment and long-term readiness than raw fleet size.

In addition to this, troops will get a 4% pay raise, and the Pentagon is now required to keep at least 76,000 troops stationed in Europe unless NATO allies agree otherwise (which could anger Russia). The bill also mandates a massive buildup of spare parts for the F-35 fleet, ensures 90 days of parts inventory by 2028, and blocks any reductions in America’s stockpile of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Digging deeper: Inside the NDAA is a requirement that the Pentagon must hand over raw, unedited footage of deadly strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific. Until this is done, a portion of the defense secretary’s travel budget will be withheld.