Examining House-Senate Differences in FY2026 Defense Appropriations

The House and Senate appropriations committees have approved differing versions of the FY2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, with a notable $21 billion gap between them. This year's process has been complicated by Pentagon budget delays and the use of a reconciliation bill, leading to significant discrepancies in congressional priorities. The House bill is generally more supportive of the Pentagon's request, investing heavily in future-focused innovation, research, and procurement. In contrast, the Senate's version is more critical of the Pentagon, adding funds to bolster near-term readiness, personnel, and the industrial base. These differences reflect a fundamental disagreement on how to resource for risk, with the House preparing for a future fight and the Senate focusing on immediate readiness.