Bipartisan Support for Major Acquisition Reforms

The Senate has passed the fiscal 2026 defense authorization bill, authorizing $900.6 billion in defense funds and implementing major reforms to the acquisition process. The bill includes provisions to speed up the acquisition process, make it easier for new entrants to do business with the Pentagon, and prioritize innovation. The final language combines elements from both House and Senate proposals, including centralizing management of weapons programs under ‘portfolio acquisition executives.’ The bill also includes $26 billion for shipbuilding and $38 billion for aircraft. The White House has indicated it will sign the bill, which was passed on a bipartisan basis. The bill was first reported by Breaking Defense.