SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE APPROVES FISCAL 2026 NDAA 

July 10, 2025 – 3:47 p.m. By John M. Donnelly, CQ 

The Senate Armed Services Committee approved a fiscal 2026 defense authorization bill late Wednesday night, and senators plan to disclose its contents on Friday, according to aides. 

Earlier this week, each of the panel's seven subcommittees approved their portions of the massive defense policy bill. Still to be disclosed is the committee's vote tally in approving the bill. 

Also still to be divulged is how much spending the bill would authorize — both in total and for the plethora of individual programs under the committee’s jurisdiction, most of which are at the Pentagon but also at a few other federal agencies.  

These authorizations include pay raises, weapons procurements, troop strength levels, military construction projects, nuclear weapons initiatives and much more. Senators and staff were tight-lipped on Thursday when asked for details about the sweeping national defense authorization, or NDAA, measure. 

"We are very focused on the Armed Services Committee: None of us say anything about the bill until the committee releases the bill and a summary,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. 

The committee, chaired by Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., is a bastion of defense hawks. Last year the panel approved a fiscal 2025 NDAA that was $25.1 billion above the level requested by President Joe Biden. But the fiscal 2025 NDAA that became law (PL118-159) authorized essentially the amount of defense spending that Biden had requested.  

Fiscal 2025 defense appropriations bills, which contain the funds themselves, exceeded the Biden request by about $8.4 billion in emergency funds, according to the Congressional Research Service.  

House action teed up 

The House Armed Services Committee, meanwhile, tentatively plans to hold this year’s version of its annual marathon NDAA markup next week. According to a draft version of the so-called chairman’s mark of the bill that the House panel will consider, its topline for fiscal 2026 is $882.6 billion, reflecting the amount for defense under the committee’s jurisdiction that President Donald Trump requested.  

Of that amount, $848.3 billion would go to the Pentagon, according to the draft document. On top of all that proposed authorization of funds in fiscal 2026 is $119.3 billion in appropriations for defense contained in the reconciliation bill (PL 119-21) that was enacted July 4. The $119.3 billion is the fiscal 2026 subset of about $156 billion for defense over 10 years in the reconciliation bill.  

When the requested NDAA amounts and the reconciliation figures are added up, national security programs would net more than $1.01 trillion in fiscal 2026, according to the White House. It remains to be seen whether the Senate NDAA would add authorization to spend still more money than that. 

_________________________________________________________ 

 VFW Post 280 Newsletter – July 2025 Edition

Honoring Veterans • Serving the Community • Celebrating Freedom Safely

🎉 Post Highlights & Announcements

• All-State Recognition!
  We’re proud to announce that VFW Post 280 has officially qualified for All-State for the 2024–2025 year, with a membership percentage of 102.84%. We’re also on track to achieve All-American status—thank you to every member who made this possible!

• Upcoming Meetings

  • Officers’ Meeting: Monday, July 7 @ 1830 hrs
  • District Meeting:  Saturday, July 12 @ 0800 hrs - SOI Training - Moberly, MO
  • Post Meeting: Monday, July 14 @ 1830 hrs (Social Hour @ 1700 hrs)

• Volunteer Opportunity
  Help represent Post 280 at the Boone County Fair Grounds starting July 15th to July 19th from 1700 hrs. to 2200 hrs. Volunteers are needed to set up the VFW tent and assist with outreach.

• Stay Connected
  Visit vfwpost280.org or follow us on Facebook for real-time updates and event photos.

🎆 Fourth of July Weekend Safety Tips

As we gather to celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s also commit to keeping our community safe. Here are a few reminders:

🔥 Fireworks Safety

• Leave fireworks to the pros whenever possible.
• If using consumer fireworks:
  • Never allow children to handle them.
  • Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
  • Light one at a time and never relight a dud.
  • Keep pets indoors—loud noises can disorient them.
   

🌞 Heat & Hydration

• Drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, or heavy sweating.
• Wear light-colored, breathable clothing.

🍔 Grilling & Food Safety

• Keep raw meats separate from cooked foods.
• Use a food thermometer—burgers should reach 160°F.
• Don’t leave perishables out for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s over 90°F).

🚗 Travel & Driving

• Buckle up and avoid distractions.
• Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare app.
• Expect heavier traffic—plan ahead and stay patient.

As we celebrate the freedoms our veterans fought to protect, let’s do so with gratitude, joy, and responsibility. From all of us at VFW Post 280, have a safe and meaningful Fourth of July weekend.

Yours in service,

Kevin Wolfe
Quartermaster/Webmaster
Boone County VFW Post 280