National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020

This bill authorizes FY2020 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation.

The bill authorizes appropriations to DOD for

• Procurement;
• Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation;
• Operation and Maintenance;
• Working Capital Funds;
• Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction;
• Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities;
• the Defense Inspector General;
• the Defense Health Program;
• the Armed Forces Retirement Home;
• Overseas Contingency Operations; and
• Military Construction.

The bill authorizes the FY2020 personnel strengths for active duty and reserve forces and sets forth policies regarding

• military personnel;
• acquisition policy and management;
• international programs;
• National Guard and Reserve Forces facilities;
• compensation and other personnel benefits;
• health care;
• DOD organization and management;
• civilian personnel matters;
• matters relating to foreign nations; and
• strategic programs, cyber, and intelligence matters.

The bill authorizes appropriations for intelligence activities, base realignment and closure activities, and maritime matters.

The bill also authorizes appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Energy national security programs, including the National Nuclear Security Administration.

The bill sets forth policies for

• North Korea nuclear sanctions,
• perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),
• military housing privatization,
• paid family leave for federal personnel,
• limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting,
• sanctions with respect to foreign traffickers of illicit synthetic opioids, and
• a Cable Security Fleet to meet national security requirements.

For more detailed information, see

• Congressional Research Service Report R46144, FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act: P.L. 116-92 (H.R. 2500, S. 1790);
• Congressional Research Service Report IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process; and
• Congressional Research Service Report IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov