CivicIndex

Federal Policy

Armed Forces and National Security

Defense and national security policy decides how the United States structures its military, equips its troops, and projects power abroad. The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets policy for the entire Department of Defense and is the single most consequential bill Congress passes every year.

Committees with jurisdiction

  • House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
  • House Committee on Armed Services
  • Senate Committee on Armed Services
  • Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
  • Counterterrorism and Intelligence

Members who specialize in this area

Leadership

Committee members

169 more members on jurisdictional committees not shown.

Recent bills in this area

  • S. 4784 — An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

    Sponsor:
    Roger F. Wicker · Republican · MS
    Latest action:
    Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate.

  • HR. 7443 — I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    August Pfluger · Republican · TX
    Latest action:
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.

  • HR. 7427 — SAFE VISITS Act

    Latest action:
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 2.

  • HR. 7436 — Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and Analysis Training Act

    Sponsor:
    Seth Magaziner · Democratic · RI
    Latest action:
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.

  • HR. 9237 — Take Care of America’s Veterans Act

    Sponsor:
    Mike Bost · Republican · IL
    Latest action:
    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1377 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1181, H.R. 9022, H.R. 8595 and H.R. 9237. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1181 and H.R. 9237 under a closed rule and H.R. 9022 and H.R. 8595 under a structured rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.

  • S. 567 — First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act

    Latest action:
    Held at the desk.

  • HR. 8800 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

    Sponsor:
    Mike Rogers · Republican · AL
    Latest action:
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 606.

  • SRES. 766 — A resolution acknowledging and apologizing for the mistreatment of, and discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served the United States in the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service and committing to the pursuit of equal rights, protections, and respect for all LGBT servicemembers and Federal civil servants.

    Latest action:
    Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S2766-2768)

Frequently asked

What is the NDAA?

The National Defense Authorization Act is the annual bill that authorizes spending and sets policy for the U.S. military. It covers troop pay, weapons procurement, base operations, and major policy reforms like the recent shift toward a more flexible Indo-Pacific posture.

Which committees handle military policy?

The Senate Armed Services Committee and House Armed Services Committee have primary jurisdiction. The Intelligence committees oversee covert programs, and Foreign Relations handles diplomatic-military dimensions.