Defense authorization bill includes billions for cyber, intelligence matters

The report outlines the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act’s cybersecurity measures, including significant funding for U.S. Cyber Command, preservation of the CYBERCOM/NSA dual-hat leadership, and a requirement to harmonize DOD cybersecurity regulations affecting the defense industrial base. It further mandates support for Western Balkans cyber resilience and studies of Russian and Chinese influence operations, enhances mobile security requirements for senior officials, restricts DOD cloud access from certain nations, directs the Election Assistance Commission to conduct penetration testing of voting systems within six months, establishes a database of vendors in clandestine operations, and calls for a framework to secure AI/ML technologies.