The Senate has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with a vote of 77-20. The legislation, S. 2296, now moves to conference for further review as both chambers have approved their versions.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) commented on the bill’s passage, highlighting its significance for military personnel and South Carolina projects. “The Senate’s passage of the annual defense authorization bill is a giant step forward in ensuring a pay raise for our troops and the authorization of several important projects for South Carolina,” said Graham.
Key elements of the Senate’s NDAA include a 3.8 percent pay increase for military members. The bill also allocates funding for several construction initiatives in South Carolina, such as $51 million for a new Child Development Center at Fort Jackson in Columbia, $65.4 million to expand the Nuclear Power Training Facility Simulation project at Joint Base Charleston, and $33 million for an addition to the Medical Facility serving the Air Force Reserve at Joint Base Charleston.
Additionally, billions are authorized for programs at the Savannah River Site, supporting efforts like Plutonium Pit Production and environmental cleanup activities. The NDAA also includes provisions aimed at improving veteran care by increasing access to services from Department of War facilities and providers.
