The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced its draft Fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on 11 July, approving the measure in a 26–1 vote. The bill authorizes about $913.9 billion in national-security spending, roughly $32 billion more than the Biden administration’s request, with $878.7 billion earmarked for the Department of Defense and the remainder for defense-related programs at the Department of Energy. Central to the package is $500 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a funding line extended through 2028 and increased from $300 million in the current fiscal year. The provision underscores bipartisan backing for Kyiv as it continues to repel Russia’s 2022 invasion, and contrasts with the House draft, which maintains the lower funding level. Beyond Ukraine, the committee’s legislation seeks to bolster U.S. force structure and industrial capacity. It blocks the Air Force from cutting its A-10 fleet below 103 aircraft, adds ten F-35A fighters to the Pentagon’s request, and steers billions toward shipbuilding and munitions. The Senate and House versions of the NDAA will next move to conference negotiations, where differences on spending levels and Ukraine aid will have to be reconciled before a final bill can be sent to President Biden.