The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 17, clearing the annual defense policy bill for the president’s signature after the House approved the measure last week. The bill includes an ADA-supported provision that aims to promote consistent accreditation standards for dental treatment facilities serving service members.
The legislation authorizes defense spending levels and establishes policy for the Department of Defense and related agencies. It is one of Congress’ few “must-pass” legislative vehicles and has been enacted for 64 consecutive years.
The fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes $901 billion in defense spending. The measure also includes several provisions affecting military health care, including a section addressing accreditation of military dental treatment facilities that the ADA strongly supported throughout the entire legislative process.
Source: Senate passes National Defense Authorization Act / ADA News