CVA Applauds Final Passage of FY2026 NDAA as Major Victory for War Powers Reform and a More Restrained U.S. Foreign Policy

ARLINGTON, Va. ― Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) applauds Congress for passing the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), marking one of the most consequential steps toward restoring constitutional war powers and advancing a more restrained, accountable U.S. foreign policy in decades. 

At the center of the bill is the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Iraq Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs)―long-obsolete war authorities that have remained on the books for more than twenty years despite no longer reflecting today’s threats or strategic priorities. Their repeal reasserts Congress’s constitutional responsibility over decisions of war and peace and reduces the risk that American service members are sent into harm’s way under outdated and overbroad authorizations. 

John Vick, Executive Director of CVA, said:

“Today’s vote to pass the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a landmark victory for constitutional accountability and for a more restrained U.S. foreign policy that puts the safety of American service members first. By repealing the outdated Iraq AUMFs, Congress has taken an essential step toward ending the practice of relying on decades-old war authorities to justify open-ended military missions.”

“This reform honors the sacrifices of the men and women who have borne the burden of endless wars and sends a clear message that future military action must be deliberate, transparent, and authorized by the people’s representatives. It strengthens our democracy, restores balance between the branches of government, and helps ensure our warfighters are not placed in harm’s way without clear purpose and accountability.”

In addition to historic war powers reform, the FY2026 NDAA advances key priorities supported by CVA, including stronger oversight and accountability at the Department of War, improved measures to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, and targeted investments to modernize and harden critical defense infrastructure. 

CVA also reiterates the importance of continued scrutiny of provisions that risk locking the United States into rigid force postures abroad. Strategic restraint and flexibility remain essential to aligning military commitments with core national interests. 

With final passage of the NDAA, Congress has taken a meaningful step toward a defense policy that is more disciplined, constitutionally grounded, and focused on protecting both America’s security and its service members. 

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