NDAA

The National Defense Authorization Act, commonly known as the NDAA, is a United States federal law that sets the budget and policies for the Department of Defense. This annual legislation authorizes appropriations for national defense activities, including personnel, operations, and procurement. Beyond its budgetary role, the NDAA often incorporates provisions on a wide range of defense-related issues, such as military personnel policies, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and foreign policy matters relevant to national security.

The process of creating the NDAA involves both the House of Representatives and the Senate, which must pass identical versions of the bill. Conference committees are typically formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions before the final bill is sent to the President for signature. The NDAA's scope can be extensive, reflecting the diverse and complex nature of modern defense and national security challenges. Its passage is a significant event in the annual legislative calendar, shaping the direction and capabilities of the U.S. military for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond.