Congress Unveils 2026 Defense Bill Built Around Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda

What Happened

House Speaker Mike Johnson has released the full text of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. He described it as a major push to align U.S. defense strategy with President Trump’s Peace Through Strength priorities.

The bill codifies 15 executive orders, realigns the Pentagon's focus from force posture to spending oversight, and restructures key defense initiatives.

At the center of the legislation is a 4% pay raise for enlisted service members. Lawmakers say it is overdue after years of inflation and recruiting challenges. The bill also authorizes deployment of U.S. military personnel to the southern border to help interdict illegal crossings, disrupt cartel activity, and support federal and state agencies overwhelmed by migration surges.

The NDAA expands military cooperation with Israel, accelerates space defense systems to counter rivals such as China and Russia, and directs considerable resources toward missile defense, cyber warfare, and intelligence operations. The legislation eliminates roughly $20 billion in programs identified by Republicans as inefficient or duplicative.

Another provision bars the Defense Department from contracting with advertising or communications firms accused of blacklisting conservative media outlets. The bill also scales back or repeals several initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate-focused programs. Many have long believed these efforts detracted from operational readiness.

Why It Matters

If passed, the 2026 NDAA would pivot the military toward a traditional security posture centered on deterrence, force projection, and border control. Many believe these changes restore mission clarity across the armed forces. The Pentagon would focus resources on training, technology, and operational strength instead of dividing attention among administrative and social initiatives.

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The bill’s border provisions expand military involvement in homeland security. Although the National Guard has assisted border authorities before, this legislation formalizes a larger, sustained role for federal troops. Advocates say this expansion is necessary due to record illegal immigration and the growing sophistication of drug cartels exploiting border weaknesses.

Investment in space defense is another priority. Space is now one of the most contested arenas for national security. Adversaries are developing anti-satellite weapons, jamming capabilities, and tools to disrupt global communications. Lawmakers argue that without stronger defenses, the U.S. risks losing critical intelligence and operational systems during a crisis.

The rollback of DEI and climate initiatives signals a change in strategic priorities. Supporters say the Pentagon can focus on recruitment, discipline, and core mission performance.

For service members, the pay raise is a practical improvement at a time when recruitment numbers have slumped. Many military families struggle to keep up with rising living costs. Strengthening the financial foundation of enlisted troops is essential to restoring force morale and retention.

How It Affects Readers

Service members along the southern border will likely see more frequent rotations and a stronger daily presence. Veterans and reservists may face updates to training routines, mobilization plans, and support services as the armed forces reorganize around the bill’s priorities.

The financial structure pairs new investments with targeted cuts. Moving $20 billion from programs viewed as low-value into core defense projects helps ease pressure on future budgets. Overall spending will continue to reflect global conditions and the pace of technological development.

The legislation is designed to concentrate U.S. military power, clarify Pentagon priorities, and align defense planning with the administration’s goals. The timing will depend on how Congress responds and how decisively the Pentagon acts once it has authority.

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