Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

# Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026 - Summary **What This Bill Does:** This bill would provide federal funding for the Department of Defense during fiscal year 2026. It covers the day-to-day costs of running the military, including soldier salaries, equipment maintenance, weapons purchases, and military research and development. The bill also funds related programs like military healthcare, intelligence agencies' retirement systems, and counter-drug operations. (Note: This bill does not cover military construction, housing, or nuclear weapons—those are handled separately.) **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts active-duty military personnel, military families, defense contractors, and federal employees in defense-related roles.

Indirectly, it affects all taxpayers, since defense spending comes from federal revenue. Americans relying on military services and those living near military bases would also be affected by the funding levels. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and is currently in committee review. This means it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill's specific funding amounts are not yet finalized.