S. 4784: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2027 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs, activities, and military construction as well as the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE).

Among other elements, the bill

• authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft and ships;
• sets active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels;
• sets policy regarding various aspects of military health care and military compensation;
• sets policy regarding DOD acquisitions and acquisition management, including contracting authorities;
• sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including matters concerning the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific;
• sets policy for various matters related to DOD cyber operations, cyber forces, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence;
• requires DOD to review certain materials (including boron carbide, copper foil, and synthetic diamond) to determine actions to maintain access to critical defense industry components and materials, and report to Congress on such matters;
• authorizes DOD's Office of Strategic Capital to make equity investments in non-federal entities with respect to batteries and critical minerals, materials, and chemicals;
• authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years; and
• authorizes the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.