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Summary:

The US Senate passed a $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2026 fiscal year. The bill reflects a compromise between Trump administration priorities and congressional efforts to maintain oversight of military actions. Key provisions include maintaining troop levels in Europe and South Korea, supporting Ukraine and Taiwan militarily, increasing security assistance to Israel, repealing outdated war authorizations (Iraq and Gulf War), lifting sanctions on Syria to aid reconstruction post-Assad, and cutting diversity and climate change-related programs within the Department of Defense. It also increases reporting requirements on US military activity, particularly concerning operations targeting smuggling in the Caribbean and Pacific.

News Article:

Senate Passes $901 Billion Defense Bill, Balancing Trump Priorities with Oversight Measures

Washington, D.C. – The Senate overwhelmingly passed a $901 billion defense policy bill on Wednesday, sending the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2026 fiscal year to President Trump for his signature. The bipartisan vote of 77-20 follows the House’s approval last month.

The NDAA represents a compromise, blending the Trump administration’s national security strategy with congressional efforts to maintain stricter oversight of military operations.

Several provisions aim to constrain the administration’s ability to rapidly reduce US military commitments abroad. The bill mandates maintaining at least 76,000 troops in Europe and prohibits reducing troop levels in South Korea below 28,500 without consulting NATO allies and demonstrating it is in the US national interest.

The legislation reinforces support for Ukraine with $800 million in security assistance, and includes funding to manufacture weapons for the country, demonstrating Washington’s ongoing commitment to European defense.

Reflecting the administration’s focus on the Asia-Pacific region, the NDAA allocates $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative to bolster defense cooperation against China’s growing military influence. Security assistance to Israel is also increased with a commitment of $600 million.

Notably, the bill also increases reporting requirements on US military activities, especially concerning strikes targeting suspected smuggling operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, putting pressure on the Defense Secretary to provide footage of strikes. This provision comes in response to concerns from some lawmakers about insufficient briefing on recent operations.

In a move applauded by both parties, the NDAA repeals the 2003 authorization for the invasion of Iraq and the 1991 authorization for the Gulf War, aiming to prevent future military actions without explicit congressional approval. Additionally, it permanently lifts sanctions on Syria to facilitate reconstruction following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.

Aligning with the Trump administration’s “America First” agenda, the NDAA eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the Department of Defense, a move estimated to save $40 million. Furthermore, it cuts $1.6 billion from Pentagon programs related to climate change, reflecting a prioritization of immediate military capabilities.

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