North Indy News

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) expressed support for the Senate’s approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed with a 77-20 vote last week. The NDAA outlines policies for the Department of Defense, sets national security priorities, and includes a pay raise for service members.

Senator Young stated, “The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress considers each year. I’m pleased the Senate-passed bill includes several important priorities I’ve worked on to modernize our defense capabilities, support Indiana’s defense industrial base and workforce, strengthen our critical minerals supply chain, and maintain American leadership in biotech. I look forward to working with the House of Representatives to get this bill across the finish line.”

Among provisions secured by Senator Young are measures aimed at supporting Indiana’s defense infrastructure and technology sector.

The NDAA incorporates a bill co-authored by Senators Young and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq. These authorizations were enacted during conflicts that have since ended; today Iraq is considered a partner rather than an adversary. The inclusion of this repeal seeks to formally close these chapters in U.S. military history.

Another measure in the NDAA is the Finding ORE Act, which focuses on improving U.S. mineral security through international collaboration on geological mapping to locate critical mineral deposits. This aims to decrease reliance on foreign sources such as China.

The bill also features the BIOSECURE Act, intended to prohibit federal contracts with biotechnology firms linked to foreign adversaries. This provision follows Senator Young’s work as chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB). Fourteen additional NSCEB recommendations are included in the NDAA, targeting innovation and sustained U.S. leadership in biotechnology relevant to national security.

Provisions from the Intelligence Authorization Act are also part of this year’s NDAA, supporting funding and oversight within the U.S. Intelligence Community and addressing threats across various sectors including defense and health.