The United States Congress has finalised a sweeping annual defence policy bill, authorising a record level of military spending and cementing continued support for Ukraine and European allies. The move comes despite former President Donald Trump's recent foreign policy pronouncements seen as more favourable towards Russia.
Record Spending and Bipartisan Approval
On Wednesday, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly to advance the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sending the $901bn legislation to the White House. The vote passed by 77 to 20, demonstrating strong bipartisan backing. The House of Representatives had approved the bill the previous week.
The White House has indicated that President Trump intends to sign the bill into law. The NDAA represents a compromise between earlier versions passed by the House and Senate and sets Pentagon policy for the coming year.
Key domestic provisions within the massive bill include a 4% pay raise for US troops, new military equipment purchases, and initiatives designed to boost American competitiveness against strategic rivals, namely China and Russia.
Provisions for Ukraine and European Security
In a notable development, this year's defence authorisation includes several measures focused on European security. This marks a break from President Trump's recently released national security strategy, which suggested a reassessment of US ties with Europe and was viewed as conciliatory towards Moscow.
The legislation allocates $800m for Ukraine over the next two years, with $400m designated for each year. This funding falls under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which finances contracts with American defence companies to provide weapons directly to Kyiv's military.
Furthermore, the bill authorises the Baltic Security Initiative, providing $175m to bolster the defences of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. It also places limits on the Pentagon's ability to reduce US force levels in Europe, stipulating they cannot fall below 76,000 personnel. Additionally, it bars the US European commander from relinquishing the title of NATO Supreme Allied Commander.
Culture Wars and Omitted Items
The final NDAA also reflects several domestic political battles. It includes a measure popular with right-wing politicians that bars transgender women from participating in women's athletic programmes at US military academies.
However, the bill does not include funding for one of President Trump's stated desires: renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. Such a change would require formal congressional approval.
The passage of the NDAA is a perennial point of pride for Congress, having been enacted for over six consecutive decades. This year's process saw a late push from a handful of senators from both parties to add stricter military helicopter safety rules, following a tragic mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk and a passenger jet that killed 67 people. However, this issue did not ultimately delay the bill's progression.
The legislation now awaits President Trump's signature, solidifying US defence priorities and maintaining a congressional commitment to European allies amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
