US Senate passes $901bn defence bill

"The United States Senate has passed a $901bn bill setting defence policy and spending for the 2026 fiscal year, combining priorities backed by President Donald Trump's administration with provisions designed to preserve congressional oversight of US military power. The National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) was approved in a 77-20 vote on Wednesday with senators adopting legislation passed by the House of Representatives last month. It now goes to Trump for his signature."

"Several provisions in the bill reflect efforts by Democratic lawmakers, supported by some Republicans, to constrain how quickly the Trump administration may scale back US military commitments in Europe. The bill requires the Pentagon to maintain at least 76,000 US soldiers in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and the administration determines that a reduction would be in the US national interest. The US typically stations 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers across the continent."

"authorising $800m under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative with $400m allocated for each of the next two years. A further $400m per year was approved to manufacture weapons for Ukraine, signalling continued congressional support for Kyiv and cementing Washington's commitment to Europe's defence. The bill also reflects priorities aligned with the Trump administration's national security strategy, which places the Asia Pacific at the centre of US foreign policy and describes the region as a key economic and geopolitical battleground."

The United States Senate approved a $901bn National Defense Authorization Act in a 77-20 vote, combining administration priorities with measures preserving congressional oversight. The legislation requires the Pentagon to maintain at least 76,000 US soldiers in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and a reduction is determined to be in the national interest. A separate provision bars lowering troop levels in South Korea below 28,500. The bill authorises $800m under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, with $400m allocated each year for two years, plus $400m per year to manufacture weapons for Ukraine. The NDAA provides $1bn for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and emphasises the Asia Pacific as a central strategic focus.

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