The U.S. Senate’s recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 has set the stage for significant changes in American defense policy, technology, and infrastructure—with Indiana’s Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) playing a pivotal role in shaping the legislation. The NDAA, which passed with a resounding 77-20 vote on October 17, 2025, is widely regarded as one of the most consequential pieces of legislation Congress tackles each year. It not only establishes the annual policy framework for the Department of Defense (DoD) but also sets national security priorities and delivers a much-anticipated pay raise for America’s service members.
Senator Young was quick to celebrate the bill’s passage and the priorities he helped secure for his home state and the nation. "The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress considers each year," Young stated in an announcement from his office. He emphasized that the Senate-passed bill includes several key provisions he championed, aimed at modernizing defense capabilities, supporting Indiana’s robust defense industrial base, strengthening critical mineral supply chains, and ensuring American leadership in biotechnology. "I look forward to working with the House of Representatives to get this bill across the finish line," Young added.
Among the headline provisions Senator Young secured is $10 million for reusable hypersonic test bed integration and testing for MACH-TB at the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Crane Division (NSWC Crane) in southern Indiana. This funding is expected to keep Indiana at the forefront of hypersonic research and development, an area of increasing importance as global military competition heats up. Additionally, another $10 million was earmarked for PELE microreactor production by BWXT in Mount Vernon, with support from Rolls Royce in Indianapolis. This cutting-edge technology promises to provide resilient and reliable electricity to American military bases, enhancing operational security and energy independence.
Indiana’s academic and research institutions are also set to benefit from the NDAA. Funding for the AI Maritime Maneuver (2.0) initiative will support a collaborative effort between Trine University and NSWC Crane to develop artificial intelligence-enabled maritime maneuvering and navigation systems. These advancements are expected to bolster the Navy’s ability to secure vital sea lanes and protect commerce from evolving threats, particularly from the navies of China and Russia. In a nod to Indiana’s manufacturing prowess, the legislation also includes funding for anti-submarine warfare equipment, such as sonobuoys produced by Ultra Maritime in Columbia City, which are crucial for detecting and tracking submarine threats.
Innovation and rapid technology deployment are central themes of this year’s NDAA. Senator Young secured $5 million to support the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, led by the Indiana-based Applied Research Institute (ARI). This initiative aims to accelerate national security innovation and deliver emerging technologies to the DoD, ensuring that American forces maintain a technological edge. According to Senator Young’s office, he personally supported ARI’s successful application for this vital project earlier in the year.
The NDAA also invests heavily in Indiana’s defense infrastructure. The bill designates $168 million for the procurement of 224 additional Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), which will be built by AM General in Mishawaka. This not only strengthens military readiness but also supports hundreds of local jobs. Further, $161 million is allocated to modernize pyrotechnics production at the Crane Army Ammunition Activity, $55 million is set aside for critical flight facility upgrades at the Indiana Army National Guard in Shelbyville, and $18 million will fund an F-16 training facility in Fort Wayne.
Beyond hardware and infrastructure, the NDAA addresses longstanding legislative issues. Notably, it incorporates a bill authored by Senators Young and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq. As Senator Young’s office notes, "The Gulf War started 34 years ago, and the Iraq War began 22 years ago. These conflicts have long ended, and today Iraq is a partner, not an adversary." The inclusion of this repeal marks a significant step toward closing the chapter on what many have called America’s "forever wars."
Resource security also features prominently in the legislation. The NDAA contains the Finding ORE Act, designed to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. This act encourages collaboration between the U.S. and other countries to update geological mapping and locate critical mineral deposits—an effort intended to reduce American dependence on China for materials essential to modern defense and technology systems.
Biotechnology, a sector increasingly intertwined with national security, receives a major boost through the NDAA. The BIOSECURE Act, included in the bill, prohibits federal contracting with certain biotechnology providers connected to foreign adversaries. This measure stems in part from Senator Young’s leadership as chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB). In addition to the BIOSECURE Act, the NDAA incorporates 14 other NSCEB recommendations intended to spur innovation and ensure the U.S. maintains global leadership in biotechnology.
Oversight and intelligence are not neglected. The NDAA includes provisions from the Intelligence Authorization Act, which authorize funding, provide legal authorities, and enhance oversight of the U.S. Intelligence Community. These measures are designed to address threats not only to defense but also to industrial, agricultural, and health sectors—a recognition of the increasingly complex nature of modern security challenges.
Senator Young’s legislative activity extends beyond the NDAA. According to Quiver Quantitative, he has recently proposed several bills, including the Brake for Kids Act of 2025, the National Biotechnology Safety Act, the Synthetic Biology Advancement Act of 2025, the Biobased Market Expansion Act of 2025, the Cloud LAB Act of 2025, and the HARPOON Act. These proposals reflect his ongoing interest in technology, safety, and innovation.
On the financial front, Quiver Quantitative estimates Senator Young’s net worth at $91,000 as of October 17, 2025, ranking him 465th among members of Congress. His most recent fundraising disclosure, filed on October 14, 2025, reported $201,700 in contributions for the third quarter of the year, with 67% coming from individual donors. Young’s spending for the same period totaled $245,200, and he reported $6.3 million in cash on hand—one of the higher balances among his peers.
With the NDAA now headed to the House of Representatives, the spotlight remains on how these provisions will shape America’s defense posture for years to come. From advanced hypersonic testing and AI-driven navigation to critical infrastructure investments and legislative reforms, the 2026 NDAA represents a sweeping effort to modernize and secure the nation’s defense capabilities—while ensuring Indiana continues to play a central role in America’s security future.
