The "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026," sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), authorizes approximately $901 billion in defense spending, which, when combined with supplemental bills, pushes total military spending over $1 trillion for the first time in U.S. history. The bill spends more than $8 billion more than requested by President Trump and authorizes and additional $400 million for Ukraine. The bill does not include a key provision promised to conservatives that bans central bank digital currencies, and includes a key provision sought by progressives that allows the use of taxpayer funds to provide gender transitions. It is noteworthy that the Pentagon has now failed its eight consecutive audit. Note: Due to opposition by Democratic for a multitude of reasons, this analysis applies to only the Republican party.

Major reforms must be made within the department of defense to cut waste, fraud and abuse and ensure our armed forces have the resources they need to protect our nation.