FACTBOX: US Congress passes massive 2026 defense bill that includes $1.5 billion security aid for PH

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a compromise version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a nearly $1 trillion bill that sets Pentagon policy and aims to continue a 65-year streak of annual approval.

The NDAA serves as a key vehicle for a wide range of initiatives, from pay raises for service members to strategic competition with China and Russia, as well as major weapons programs. The bill is closely monitored by defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp, which receive Department of Defense contracts.

Programs for Europe

Following President Donald Trump’s recent National Security Strategy, which signaled a friendlier stance toward Russia and called for a reassessment of U.S.-Europe relations, lawmakers included several provisions in the NDAA aimed at bolstering European security.

The legislation provides $800 million for Ukraine—$400 million each year over the next two years—through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which funds U.S. companies supplying weapons to the Ukrainian military. It also authorizes the Baltic Security Initiative, providing $175 million in defense support for Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

Additionally, the bill restricts the Pentagon from reducing U.S. troop levels in Europe below 76,000 and prevents the U.S. European Commander from relinquishing the NATO Supreme Commander title.

Countering China

The NDAA introduces new measures to monitor outbound U.S. investment in China, requiring Americans and U.S. companies to notify the Treasury Department when investing in sensitive Chinese technologies. The Treasury would gain additional authority to block such deals.

It also includes the "Biosecure Act," barring certain Chinese biotech companies from receiving federal funding.

Amid concerns over a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the legislation fully funds the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative at $1 billion. It authorizes continued U.S. military training for Taiwan and directs the Pentagon to explore a joint program with Taiwan to deploy drone and anti-drone systems.

The NDAA further authorizes $1.5 billion in new security assistance for the Philippines.

Middle East Provisions

The bill provides extensive support for Israel, including full funding for cooperative missile defense programs such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling. It also requires regular assessments of international arms embargoes on Israel and evaluations of whether the U.S. can help meet Israel’s defense production needs.

The NDAA repeals the "Caesar" sanctions imposed on Syria under former President Bashar al-Assad, a move aimed at supporting the country’s economic recovery. It also repeals the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, signaling a push by Congress to reclaim authority over decisions to deploy troops into combat.

Benefits for Service Members and Culture-Related Measures

The 2026 NDAA includes a 4% pay increase for service members and extends programs to improve childcare and military housing.

Some culturally conservative measures were included, such as a ban on transgender women participating in women’s athletic programs at U.S. military academies. However, the bill does not restrict Defense Department funding for gender-related medical treatment.

Other proposals did not make the final version of the NDAA, including expanded coverage for in vitro fertilization for military families and former President Trump’s plan to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, a move estimated to cost $2 billion. -Patricia Zengerle in Washington/Reuters