NDAA Compromise: F/A-XX Funding Secured, Defense Budget Boosted

WASHINGTON — Congress released the compromise National Defense Authorization Act Sunday evening, delivering a significant funding boost to the Department of Defense. The legislation provides approximately $8 billion above the Pentagon’s budget request, representing a negotiated middle ground between competing House and Senate priorities.

The compromise figure reflects contentious budget negotiations between chambers. The House maintained the Pentagon’s original request, while the Senate pushed for $32 billion in additional funding. The $8 billion compromise emerged as a workable target for both parties.

“We’re going to put a marker out there that’s like $8 billion above the president’s budget, but we’ll see. It’ll depend on what the appropriators work out,” said Rep. Adam Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, noting that appropriations committees retain final authority on spending levels.

The NDAA’s procurement plan allocates resources strategically across defense priorities: $26 billion for shipbuilding, $38 billion for aircraft, $4 billion for ground vehicles, and $25 billion for munitions. Notably, the legislation includes full funding for the Navy’s F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program, which faced previous resistance from the Trump administration.

The compromise NDAA also addresses geopolitical concerns. Section 1249 establishes safeguards for U.S. military presence in Europe, requiring congressional certification before troop levels fall below 76,000 in European Command’s area of responsibility. The provision also restricts any transfer or consolidation of military facilities under EUCOM control or relinquishment of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander role.

International support provisions expanded as well. The legislation extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative by $400 million for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027, maintaining congressional commitment to supporting Ukrainian defense capabilities.

The NDAA also repeals the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force for Iraq, addressing outdated military authorities. Notably absent from the legislation is any official redesignation of the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” despite informal adoption by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Congressional action remains necessary for such official changes.

With this compromise NDAA advance, Congress balances increased defense investment with strategic priorities in emerging technology, European stability, and international partnerships.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765159486195-1228