S. 2296 is a bill titled "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026", introduced in the 119th Congress by Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS].
What does S. 2296 propose?
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2026 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). It also authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for FY2026. The bill authorizes appropriations but it does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation.
Among other elements, the bill
authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles;authorizes active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels;authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years;requires DOD to develop a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies;requires the Navy to implement certain processes to improve the material condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards; extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (an initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region) through FY2026; andrepeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including a provision establishing the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD.For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see
In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA, andIn Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process.
Who sponsored S. 2296 and when?
Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] sponsored this measure. It was introduced on 2025-07-15. Its primary policy area is Armed Forces and National Security.
Where does S. 2296 stand?
Latest action (2025-11-12): Held at the desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the UAP intercept briefing requirements in this bill?
Section 1555 amends existing law to require that congressional briefings include details on any UAP intercepts by NORAD or U.S. Northern Command, covering the number, location, and nature of intercepts and the procedures followed. The first briefing must cover intercepts going back to January 1, 2004.
Each briefing under this subsection shall include, for the period covered by the briefing, details on any unidentified anomalous phenomena intercepts conducted by the North American Aerospace Defense Command or United States Northern Command.
What is the security classification guidance matrix for UAP programs?
Section 1556 requires AARO to issue a consolidated security classification guidance matrix within 180 days of enactment. It is meant to help military members and federal employees understand the rules around reporting or discussing UAP events, and must be briefed to the Armed Services Committees within 30 days of issuance.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director for the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office shall issue a consolidated security classification guidance matrix for programs relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena
What happens to DOD diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under this bill?
The bill repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including the provision that established the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD.
repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including a provision establishing the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD.
What is the current status of S. 2296?
The bill was introduced on July 15, 2025, and the latest recorded action, as of November 12, 2025, is that it was held at the desk.
What does the bill require regarding China and Russia's capabilities in Cuba?
Section 1559 requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report within 180 days on the technical collection capabilities of China and Russia in Cuba, including counterintelligence risks and risks to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the technical collection capabilities of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba.
What does the bill do for missile defense coverage of Hawaii and Alaska?
Section 1532 requires the inclusion of Hawaii and Alaska in plans for Iron Dome for America, extending that missile defense planning to cover those two states.
Related Intelligence
Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena
Unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) is the official U.S. government term for objects or devices in the air, underwater, or moving between both that can't be readily identified.
Open fileUnidentified Aerial Phenomena
Unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) are airborne objects seen by a pilot or aircrew that cannot be immediately identified.
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