New PPI Analysis Examines Strengths and Shortcomings in 2026 Defense Authorization Bill

A new analysis from the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) finds that the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) reflects growing bipartisan concern in Congress about the Trump administration’s defense posture. The legislation includes meaningful provisions to uphold U.S. commitments to allies, safeguard key weapons programs, and reinforce industrial capacity. Yet despite these efforts, the NDAA ultimately exposes the limits of congressional resistance to strategic retrenchment, with several guardrails weakened by loopholes and critical omissions that undermine America’s ability to meet current and future security challenges.

The analysis, “Inching in the Right Direction: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in the NDAA,” authored by Mary Guenther, Head of Space Policy; Tamar Jacoby, Director of the New Ukraine Project; Peter Juul, Director of National Security Policy, and Justin Littleford, Deputy Political Director, reflects that while the NDAA implements many provisions that protect America’s interests across the globe and in space, the recently passed legislation contains many policies that hinder U.S. strategic influence abroad.

“The NDAA is a small step in the right direction to buck the Trump Administration’s reckless, un-American national security policy,” said Juul. “But in too many places, Congress relies on paperwork and weak oversight instead of making the strong policy and funding decisions needed to rebuke Trump and keep America secure.”

Key findings from the analysis include:

A Mixed Record on Weapons Programs Funding: The legislation protects the E-7 Wedgetail program, increases funding for submarine construction, and expands multiyear munitions contracts. However, it cancels the Navy’s Constellation-class frigate, underfunds the F/A-XX fighter, and revives an unnecessary nuclear cruise missile program.
A Continued Agreement to Protect American Allies: The NDAA blocks troop withdrawals from Europe and South Korea, reinforces NATO commitments, restores funding for the Baltic Security Initiative and expands Indo-Pacific defense cooperation.
Ukraine Support Reduced to Symbolism: Despite strong language prohibiting U.S. recognition of Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territory and new safeguards to prevent the diversion of weapons meant for Kyiv, the NDAA sharply reduces military aid to Ukraine, so much so that it may allow Putin to win the conflict handily.
More Progress for Space Innovation, with Much More to Be Done: The legislation proposes restoring funding for commercial remote sensing and creates an acquisition career path within the Space Force. But it fails to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR/STTR) program, a critical omission that threatens early-stage defense and space innovation.
A Revamped But Faulty Pentagon: While the NDAA limits meddling with the military’s combatant command structure, creates a new position for international defense cooperation, and cuts unnecessary or burdensome regulations, it also allows for military equipment to be used in American deportation missions, an increased reliance on artificial intelligence,, and excludes our European allies from defense cooperation.

“The hulking legislation shows that Congress can use some of its powers to create a structured national security strategy for next year,” said Jacoby. “But it also highlights a troubling gap between intent and real-world outcomes, especially for Ukraine, where underfunding and half-measures fall far short of what the moment demands.”

Read and download the analysis here.

Founded in 1989, PPI is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Find an expert and learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org. Follow us @ppi.

###

Media Contact: Ian O’Keefe – iokeefe@ppionline.org