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New NDAA Boosts Defense Budget, Alters Military Policies

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $900.6 billion for defense and a 3.8% pay raise for U.S. service members, effective January 1, 2026.
It changes family separation allowances and parental leave policies.
It bars transgender individuals from serving on women's teams and reinstates initiatives to advance women in the military.
It creates a panel to assess artificial intelligence implications for the Pentagon and outlines action timing.

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Story summary

The fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $900.6 billion for defense and a 3.8% pay raise for U.S. service members, effective January 1, 2026.
It changes family separation allowances and parental leave policies.
It bars transgender individuals from serving on women's teams and reinstates initiatives to advance women in the military.
It creates a panel to assess artificial intelligence implications for the Pentagon and outlines action timing.