President Signs National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Impact Score: 2.4
Timeline: Effective immediately, as of December 18, 2025
Summary: The President signed bill S. 1071, authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2026 covering Department of War programs, military construction, Department of Energy national security programs, Intelligence, and Department of State programs. The legislation includes military basic pay increases and expands authorities impacting national security, foreign affairs, homeland security, commerce, and judiciary sectors. Vanderbilt University faces both risks and opportunities, including potential shifts in federal research funding and enhanced collaboration possibilities in defense and security fields.
Key Actions: Vanderbilt should assess impacts on military student enrollment, explore defense-related research partnerships, develop targeted academic programs, and adjust international collaborations to align with new national security priorities.
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