Congress closed out 2025 with a significant accomplishment: passing the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which the president signed into law Dec. 18.

The legislation advanced through both chambers with broad bipartisan support, reflecting agreement on core national defense priorities. It represents months of work and negotiation and provides essential direction for the year ahead.

However, Congress’ work remains unfinished. Lawmakers must confront a looming deadline at the end of January: Will there be another government shutdown?

While the NDAA sets the policy framework for defense programs, it does not provide funding to implement these initiatives. Congress still must pass appropriations legislation to ensure the resources are available to execute the priorities outlined in the NDAA.

[RELATED: 3 Ways to Protect Servicemembers and Veterans From the Next Shutdown]

Congress has yet to complete the full FY 2026 budget, causing uncertainty for servicemembers, veterans, their families, and survivors who depend on stable, predictable government funding for their service-earned pay and benefits.

The Unfinished Work of Funding

Although FY 2026 began Oct. 1, Congress has not completed the full set of annual appropriations bills needed to fund the government. To date, only three of the 12 measures have been enacted into law, including funding for military construction and the VA.

The remainder of the government is operating under a continuing resolution (CR) scheduled to expire Jan. 30. While the CR keeps agencies functioning in the short term, it does not provide the certainty or flexibility of full-year appropriations.

[FROM CONGRESS.GOV: Appropriations Bill Tracker] 

Most notably, defense appropriations for FY 2026 have not yet been approved. This gap means that, despite the NDAA’s passage, critical initiatives affecting readiness, modernization, and quality-of-life improvements remain on hold. And consequently, the uniformed services community begins the year facing continued uncertainty as Congress returns to Washington.

The Standard and the Choice Ahead

Servicemembers and their families continue to meet the demands of service with professionalism and resolve, even when certainty is in short supply. Missions move forward, families plan as best they can, and commitments are honored – not because conditions are perfect, but because service requires it.

That same standard is upheld by the civilian professionals who support the all-volunteer force, ensuring pay, health care, benefits, and essential programs remain in place for those who serve and have served.

[RELATED: TotalForce+]

The coming weeks will test whether Congress meets that self-same standard of service and commitment. The decisions made at this inflection point will set the tone for 2026 — whether full-year funding and stability is secured through timely action, or uncertainty is once again extended by delay.

MOAA will continue to actively engage with lawmakers to highlight the necessity of timely appropriations, monitor developments closely, and keep our members informed as Congress moves forward with the FY 2026 budget in the weeks ahead.