NDAA Tracker: Key Amendments to the Must-Pass Defense Legislation

Strategic Insights -

As the House and Senate prepare to take up their respective versions of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), lawmakers will consider more than 1,500 amendments, including proposals to end an unjust pay offset faced by tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans and to improve access to care at military treatment facilities. The sheer volume of amendments underscores the magnitude of the task ahead, with over 1,500 proposals to be considered, including those from veterans' advocacy groups like the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA is closely monitoring amendments that directly affect its core mission, with several standing out as particularly significant.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NDAA will consider more than 1,500 amendments, with over 900 submitted by House lawmakers and over 600 by Senate lawmakers.
  • The Senate is expected to take up its version of the bill later this week, while the House will begin its work next week.
  • MOAA is monitoring amendments that directly affect its core mission, including the Major Richard Star Act, which would provide concurrent receipt of retirement pay and VA disability compensation to combat-injured servicemembers.
  • The House will consider an amendment offered by Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) to direct DoD to establish a digital system for TRICARE beneficiaries receiving care at military treatment facilities.
  • MOAA is evaluating a wide range of proposals related to TRICARE reform, issues affecting currently serving servicemembers, support for military families, and provisions impacting veterans.
  • Lawmakers must hear directly from constituents about the importance of these amendments and how their inclusion in the NDAA will impact the uniformed services and veteran communities.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,500 amendments will be considered as part of the NDAA.
  • House lawmakers have submitted over 900 amendments to their version of theFY 2026 NDAA.
  • Senate lawmakers will need to work through over 600 amendments.
  • The Major Richard Star Act had 300 cosponsors in the House and 76 in the Senate as of September 2.
  • The House is expected to begin its NDAA work next week.
  • The Senate is expected to take up its version of the bill later this week.

Sources:

  • [1] Military Officers Association of America, "NDAA Tracker: Looking at Key Amendments to the Must-Pass Bill," September 3, 2025.
  • [2] House Armed Services Committee, "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026," March 2025.
  • [3] Senate Armed Services Committee, "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026," June 2025.