Legis Daily

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

USA119th CongressS-2342| Senate 
| Updated: 7/29/2025
Tom Cotton

Tom Cotton

Republican Senator

Arkansas

Intelligence (Select) Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, titled the "Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026," authorizes appropriations for the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government, the Intelligence Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System. It includes a classified Schedule of Authorizations specifying funding amounts and allows for increases in employee compensation and benefits. The bill also places limitations on the transfer and reprogramming of authorized funds within the National Intelligence Program. Title III addresses various Intelligence Community matters , enhancing security by criminalizing unauthorized access to IC property and granting the CIA authority to protect its facilities from unmanned aircraft. It modifies acquisition authorities and mandates annual surveys on analytic objectivity and training on analytic standards. The bill also requires Senate confirmation for several key intelligence positions, strengthens the Treasury's intelligence office, and prohibits certain activities by the Department of Homeland Security's intelligence programs. Significant reforms are introduced under Title IV, the "Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act of 2025," which modifies the responsibilities of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and mandates a plan to reduce staff at the Office of the DNI. It renames the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence and establishes Assistant Directors, while also reforming the National Intelligence Council. Key organizational changes include transferring the National Counterintelligence and Security Center to the FBI and redesignating the National Counterterrorism Center to include counternarcotics . The bill also moves the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center to the CIA, establishes National Intelligence Task Forces, and repeals several existing IC positions and units to streamline operations. The legislation addresses matters concerning foreign countries , including declassifying information on foreign assistance to those evading justice and enhancing intelligence sharing on biotechnological threats. It mandates a threat assessment for unmanned aircraft systems near U.S. borders and an assessment of Western Hemisphere partnerships. Specific provisions target the People's Republic of China , focusing on countering CCP influence in Europe, prohibiting contracts with Chinese military biotech companies, and reporting on CCP leadership wealth and agricultural investments in Brazil. The bill also addresses Russian destabilization efforts and sanctions enforcement, alongside plans for counternarcotics collaboration with Mexico and intelligence support for Sudan. Provisions for emerging technologies establish an Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Fund and aim to enhance biotechnology talent and secure U.S. genomic data. The bill mandates procurement of domestic synthetic DNA/RNA and identifies sites for advanced nuclear technology deployment. It also addresses intelligence gaps in outbound investment screening for biotechnology and expands the functions of the Artificial Intelligence Security Center. Further, the legislation sets policies for AI development and usage, defines high-impact AI systems, and revises guidance for foundation models and critical technology coordination. Classification reform and security clearances are addressed through requirements for declassification notifications, elimination of compensatory damage caps for retaliatory actions, and process parity for adverse security determinations. The bill also includes reforms for inactive security clearances and mandates protection of classified budget information. Other significant provisions include enhanced whistleblower protections , standard guidelines for reporting anomalous health incidents , and declassification of related intelligence. Finally, the bill covers miscellaneous items such as COVID-19 intelligence declassification, counterintelligence briefings for the Armed Forces, denial of visas to foreign intelligence officers, and reforms to election system security.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-3905
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4503
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2610
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4443
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2103
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Bill from Previous Congress

S 115-133
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Bill from Previous Congress

S 115-1761
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jul 17, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 120.
Jul 17, 2025
Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Cotton. Without written report.
Jul 29, 2025
By Senator Cotton from Select Committee on Intelligence filed written report. Report No. 119-51. Minority views filed.
Nov 28, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5167
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 339.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-3905
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4503
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2610
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4443
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2103
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 115-133
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 115-1761
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018


  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 17, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 120.


  • July 17, 2025
    Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Cotton. Without written report.


  • July 29, 2025
    By Senator Cotton from Select Committee on Intelligence filed written report. Report No. 119-51. Minority views filed.


  • November 28, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5167
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 339.

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • S 119-2194: Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Act of 2025
  • S 119-2242: Counternarcotics Enhancement Act
  • S 119-2227: SPIES Act
  • HR 119-5167: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  • S 119-2425: Intelligence Community Property Security Act of 2025
Accounting and auditingAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesAdvanced technology and technological innovationsAdvisory bodiesAfricaAlliancesAsiaAviation and airportsBrazilCardiovascular and respiratory healthCaribbean areaCentral Intelligence Agency (CIA)Chemical and biological weaponsChinaCivil actions and liabilityClimate change and greenhouse gasesCollective securityComputers and information technologyComputer security and identity theftCongressional oversightCrimes against propertyCriminal procedure and sentencingCubaDepartment of Homeland SecurityDepartment of the TreasuryDepartment of TransportationDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadDirector of National IntelligenceDisability assistanceDrug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulationDrug trafficking and controlled substancesElections, voting, political campaign regulationElectric power generation and transmissionEmployee benefits and pensionsEmployee hiringEmployee performanceEmployment and training programsEmployment discrimination and employee rightsEspionage and treasonEuropeExecutive agency funding and structureFamily relationshipsFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)Federal officialsFederal Reserve SystemForeign language and bilingual programsFraud offenses and financial crimesGeneticsGeography and mappingGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsHealth information and medical recordsHigher educationInfectious and parasitic diseasesInfrastructure developmentIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationInternational organizations and cooperationIranLatin AmericaLicensing and registrationsMedical researchMental healthMexicoMiddle EastMilitary personnel and dependentsMiningNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationNational Security AgencyNorth KoreaNuclear powerNuclear weaponsOrganized crimePerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementPublic participation and lobbyingReal estate businessReligionResearch administration and fundingResearch and developmentRight of privacyRussiaSanctionsSmall businessSmuggling and traffickingSpacecraft and satellitesSpace flight and explorationStudent aid and college costsSudanTechnology assessmentTechnology transfer and commercializationTelecommunication rates and feesTelephone and wireless communicationTerrorismTravel and tourismUkraineU.S. and foreign investmentsVenezuelaVisas and passports

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

USA119th CongressS-2342| Senate 
| Updated: 7/29/2025
This legislation, titled the "Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026," authorizes appropriations for the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government, the Intelligence Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System. It includes a classified Schedule of Authorizations specifying funding amounts and allows for increases in employee compensation and benefits. The bill also places limitations on the transfer and reprogramming of authorized funds within the National Intelligence Program. Title III addresses various Intelligence Community matters , enhancing security by criminalizing unauthorized access to IC property and granting the CIA authority to protect its facilities from unmanned aircraft. It modifies acquisition authorities and mandates annual surveys on analytic objectivity and training on analytic standards. The bill also requires Senate confirmation for several key intelligence positions, strengthens the Treasury's intelligence office, and prohibits certain activities by the Department of Homeland Security's intelligence programs. Significant reforms are introduced under Title IV, the "Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act of 2025," which modifies the responsibilities of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and mandates a plan to reduce staff at the Office of the DNI. It renames the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence and establishes Assistant Directors, while also reforming the National Intelligence Council. Key organizational changes include transferring the National Counterintelligence and Security Center to the FBI and redesignating the National Counterterrorism Center to include counternarcotics . The bill also moves the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center to the CIA, establishes National Intelligence Task Forces, and repeals several existing IC positions and units to streamline operations. The legislation addresses matters concerning foreign countries , including declassifying information on foreign assistance to those evading justice and enhancing intelligence sharing on biotechnological threats. It mandates a threat assessment for unmanned aircraft systems near U.S. borders and an assessment of Western Hemisphere partnerships. Specific provisions target the People's Republic of China , focusing on countering CCP influence in Europe, prohibiting contracts with Chinese military biotech companies, and reporting on CCP leadership wealth and agricultural investments in Brazil. The bill also addresses Russian destabilization efforts and sanctions enforcement, alongside plans for counternarcotics collaboration with Mexico and intelligence support for Sudan. Provisions for emerging technologies establish an Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Fund and aim to enhance biotechnology talent and secure U.S. genomic data. The bill mandates procurement of domestic synthetic DNA/RNA and identifies sites for advanced nuclear technology deployment. It also addresses intelligence gaps in outbound investment screening for biotechnology and expands the functions of the Artificial Intelligence Security Center. Further, the legislation sets policies for AI development and usage, defines high-impact AI systems, and revises guidance for foundation models and critical technology coordination. Classification reform and security clearances are addressed through requirements for declassification notifications, elimination of compensatory damage caps for retaliatory actions, and process parity for adverse security determinations. The bill also includes reforms for inactive security clearances and mandates protection of classified budget information. Other significant provisions include enhanced whistleblower protections , standard guidelines for reporting anomalous health incidents , and declassification of related intelligence. Finally, the bill covers miscellaneous items such as COVID-19 intelligence declassification, counterintelligence briefings for the Armed Forces, denial of visas to foreign intelligence officers, and reforms to election system security.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-3905
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4503
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-2610
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4443
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2103
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Bill from Previous Congress

S 115-133
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Bill from Previous Congress

S 115-1761
Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jul 17, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 120.
Jul 17, 2025
Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Cotton. Without written report.
Jul 29, 2025
By Senator Cotton from Select Committee on Intelligence filed written report. Report No. 119-51. Minority views filed.
Nov 28, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5167
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 339.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-3905
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4503
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-2610
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4443
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2103
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 115-133
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 115-1761
    Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018


  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 17, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 120.


  • July 17, 2025
    Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Cotton. Without written report.


  • July 29, 2025
    By Senator Cotton from Select Committee on Intelligence filed written report. Report No. 119-51. Minority views filed.


  • November 28, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5167
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 339.
Tom Cotton

Tom Cotton

Republican Senator

Arkansas

Intelligence (Select) Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • S 119-2194: Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Act of 2025
  • S 119-2242: Counternarcotics Enhancement Act
  • S 119-2227: SPIES Act
  • HR 119-5167: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  • S 119-2425: Intelligence Community Property Security Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Accounting and auditingAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresAdministrative remediesAdvanced technology and technological innovationsAdvisory bodiesAfricaAlliancesAsiaAviation and airportsBrazilCardiovascular and respiratory healthCaribbean areaCentral Intelligence Agency (CIA)Chemical and biological weaponsChinaCivil actions and liabilityClimate change and greenhouse gasesCollective securityComputers and information technologyComputer security and identity theftCongressional oversightCrimes against propertyCriminal procedure and sentencingCubaDepartment of Homeland SecurityDepartment of the TreasuryDepartment of TransportationDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadDirector of National IntelligenceDisability assistanceDrug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulationDrug trafficking and controlled substancesElections, voting, political campaign regulationElectric power generation and transmissionEmployee benefits and pensionsEmployee hiringEmployee performanceEmployment and training programsEmployment discrimination and employee rightsEspionage and treasonEuropeExecutive agency funding and structureFamily relationshipsFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)Federal officialsFederal Reserve SystemForeign language and bilingual programsFraud offenses and financial crimesGeneticsGeography and mappingGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsGovernment trust fundsHealth information and medical recordsHigher educationInfectious and parasitic diseasesInfrastructure developmentIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationInternational organizations and cooperationIranLatin AmericaLicensing and registrationsMedical researchMental healthMexicoMiddle EastMilitary personnel and dependentsMiningNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationNational Security AgencyNorth KoreaNuclear powerNuclear weaponsOrganized crimePerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementPublic participation and lobbyingReal estate businessReligionResearch administration and fundingResearch and developmentRight of privacyRussiaSanctionsSmall businessSmuggling and traffickingSpacecraft and satellitesSpace flight and explorationStudent aid and college costsSudanTechnology assessmentTechnology transfer and commercializationTelecommunication rates and feesTelephone and wireless communicationTerrorismTravel and tourismUkraineU.S. and foreign investmentsVenezuelaVisas and passports