Defense authorization bill includes billions for cyber, intelligence matters

The NDAA notably deviates partly from President Donald Trump’s national security strategy, which seeks some distance between the U.S. and Europe. It also makes a sweeping regulatory harmonization demand.

The massive annual defense bill up for consideration this week infuses billions of dollars into various defense and intelligence agencies’ cybersecurity portfolios, a sign that cyber threats from foreign adversaries are now a regularly occurring consideration for the nation’s defense budget.

The finalized National Defense Authorization Act for FY26, released Sunday evening, would provide U.S. Cyber Command — the digital combatant command that shares space with the NSA — some $73 million for cyberspace operations, around $30 million for unnamed activities and $314 million for operations and maintenance at its headquarters. 

It also appears to preserve the dual-hat leadership structure of Cybercom and NSA — traditionally co-led by the same four-star general — with language that prevents Defense Department funding from ...