National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021
Latest action (1 Jan 2021): Passed Senate over veto by Yea-Nay Vote. 81 - 13. Record Vote Number: 292.
What this bill does
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 sets policy and authorizes funding levels for the Department of Defense, defense-related activities of the Department of Energy, and military construction for the 2021 fiscal year. It is a large, omnibus bill covering weapons procurement, research and development, operations and maintenance, military personnel levels and policy, and numerous other defense-related programs. Specific provisions address matters such as aircraft and ship inventories, artificial intelligence initiatives, cybersecurity, environmental and PFAS-related cleanup requirements at military installations, sexual assault prevention and response policies, military justice procedures, and workforce and education programs. It also includes separate divisions on artificial intelligence policy, anti-money laundering rules, and reauthorization of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Defense, the armed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and related reserve and National Guard components), the Department of Energy's national security programs, and the Coast Guard. It also has implications for defense contractors, military families, servicemembers involved in legal or personnel matters, and communities near military installations affected by environmental or safety provisions.
The bill was introduced in March 2020 by Rep. Adam Smith and passed by both chambers of Congress. The President vetoed it, but Congress voted to override the veto—the House and then the Senate, with a Senate vote of 81–13 on January 1, 2021—resulting in the bill becoming law without presidential signature. No further congressional action is required; implementation now falls to the relevant federal agencies.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021
This bill authorizes FY2021 appropriations and sets forth policies for the Department of Defense (DOD) and other programs and activities. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation.
The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for
• Procurement, including aircraft, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, shipbuilding and conversion, and missiles;
• Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation;
• Operation and Maintenance;
• Working Capital Funds;
• Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction;
Timeline
1 Jan 2021
Passed Senate over veto by Yea-Nay Vote. 81 - 13. Record Vote Number: 292.
28 Dec 2020
Two-thirds of the Members present having voted in the affirmative the bill is passed, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding. Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 322 - 87 (Roll no. 253).
23 Dec 2020
Vetoed by President.
11 Dec 2020
Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 13. Record Vote Number: 264.
8 Dec 2020
On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 335 - 78, 1 Present (Roll no. 238).
16 Nov 2020
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
21 Jul 2020
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 295 - 125 (Roll no. 152).
1 Jul 2020
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 56 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6395 do?
- The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 sets policy and authorizes funding levels for the Department of Defense, defense-related activities of the Department of Energy, and military construction for the 2021 fiscal year. It is a large, omnibus bill covering weapons procurement, research and development, operations and maintenance, military personnel levels and policy, and numerous other defense-related programs. Specific provisions address matters such as aircraft and ship inventories, artificial intelligence initiatives, cybersecurity, environmental and PFAS-related cleanup requirements at military installations, sexual assault prevention and response policies, military justice procedures, and workforce and education programs. It also includes separate divisions on artificial intelligence policy, anti-money laundering rules, and reauthorization of the U.S. Coast Guard. The bill primarily affects the Department of Defense, the armed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and related reserve and National Guard components), the Department of Energy's national security programs, and the Coast Guard. It also has implications for defense contractors, military families, servicemembers involved in legal or personnel matters, and communities near military installations affected by environmental or safety provisions. The bill was introduced in March 2020 by Rep. Adam Smith and passed by both chambers of Congress. The President vetoed it, but Congress voted to override the veto—the House and then the Senate, with a Senate vote of 81–13 on January 1, 2021—resulting in the bill becoming law without presidential signature. No further congressional action is required; implementation now falls to the relevant federal agencies.
- Has H.R. 6395 become law?
- Yes. H.R. 6395 has been enacted. Status last updated 1 Jan 2021.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6395?
- H.R. 6395 was sponsored by Rep. Adam Smith [D-WA9] (Democrat-WA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6395?
- Passed Senate over veto by Yea-Nay Vote. 81 - 13. Record Vote Number: 292. (1 Jan 2021).
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