The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a United States federal law that authorizes the annual budget and expenditures of the U.S. Department of Defense, the military, and other agencies and programs related to national security and defense. The NDAA is an authorization bill, meaning that it sets spending limits and provides broad policy direction, but does not actually appropriate any funds. The appropriations process is handled by separate legislation.
The NDAA is important because it provides the legal framework for the operation of the U.S. military and other defense agencies. It authorizes the size and composition of the armed forces, sets pay and benefits for military personnel, and provides funding for weapons systems, research and development, and other defense-related programs. The NDAA also includes provisions on military readiness, training, and operations, as well as policies on international security cooperation and arms control.
