The historic trillion-dollar defense budget proposal marked an initial step in a lengthy appropriation and authorization process, one that will serve as the backbone for funding critical programs and services that support our nation’s uniformed services and veteran communities.

As Congress makes headway on the FY 2026 budget, it's essential to know where we are in the annual process, both for the overall funding bill and for measures like the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which often serves as a vehicle for key MOAA legislative priorities. Here’s a look at the overall timeline:

[RELATED FROM APRIL: What the Proposed $1 Trillion Defense Budget Means for Servicemembers, Families, and Retirees]

The President’s Budget Proposal: The process begins with the president’s budget request, usually released in February or March, which outlines proposed funding levels for all government agencies. It’s not uncommon for this request to be delayed during the first year of a presidential term and new Congress; this year’s so-called “skinny” budget request was announced May 2.

Congressional Budget Resolution: After receiving the president's request, Congress creates a budget resolution, which sets the overall spending limits for the government. This resolution acts as a framework for future spending decisions, specifying how much money should be allocated for defense and non-defense programs, including military personnel, benefits, and VA health care.

[RELATED: Budget Bill Puts Student-Veterans at Risk]

Authorization Bills: Once the budget resolution is in place, Congress begins working on authorization bills, like the NDAA. The NDAA authorizes policies, programs, and funding levels for defense-related programs, ranging from military readiness and modernization to benefits for military families and survivors. It often incorporates many pieces of defense-related legislation, making it a useful vehicle to advance MOAA-supported bills and priorities, as evidenced by last year’s “quality-of-life” NDAA.

Appropriations Bills: While the NDAA sets policy, appropriations bills, such as the Defense Appropriations Act and the Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Act provide the funding to implement those policies. Appropriations bills must be passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by the president before agencies can access the funding.

Where Do Things Stand for FY 2026?

We can expect a more detailed budget request from the administration in the coming weeks. This  will act as an essential input for Congress and lawmakers in both chambers.

Both the House and Senate are well into the process of shaping the authorization and appropriations bills for FY 2026, with amendments from advocates and constituents now under review in committees and subcommittees.

Each chamber has passed its own budget resolution. While they haven’t been reconciled, they are crucial to guiding ongoing budget negotiations. More detailed legislation – known as a reconciliation bill, in conjunction with the initial resolution – passed House by a 215-214 vote early May 22 and will move to the Senate, where leaders reportedly hope to have a vote before the July 4 holiday.

While the NDAA and other authorization bills were passed and signed into law in 2025, they’re funded through a full-year continuing resolution enacted to ensure government operations continue without disruption. Despite the challenges associated with continuing resolutions, the practice has become increasingly common.

With a compressed timeline for debating, amending, and reconciling the NDAA this year, there remains a significant risk of further stopgap funding measures.

How Can Advocates Help?

As Congress gets further into the process of shaping the FY 2026 budget, it’s critical to stay informed of the latest updates regarding the NDAA and other relevant legislation.

You can review MOAA’s legislative priorities on our spring Advocacy in Action page. In addition to these issues, MOAA remains fully prepared to adapt our focus and leverage every available resource to ensure promises made to those who serve and have served, along with their families and survivors, are honored.

Grassroots advocacy is critical to determining what will make its way into final authorization and appropriation bills, and lawmakers want to hear what’s important to their constituents. To support these efforts, stay up to date with MOAA’s advocacy news, and register and take action using the Legislative Action Center.