Of note: Also included in this year's NDAA is the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which Transparency International U.S. says is "arguably the most sweeping and consequential foreign bribery law in nearly half a century."
The legislation bars foreign officials from requesting or taking a bribe from an American, American company or anyone inside the country,Rubryka, the media of helpful solutions
Biden signs $886 bln defense budget bill, with $300 mln for Ukraine
Photo: Volynnews.com
US President Joe Biden signed into law the defense policy bill that authorizes a record $886 billion in annual military spending and policies such as aid for Ukraine worth $300 mln, Reuters reports.
- called for a 5.2% pay raise for service members and
- increased the nation's total national security budget by about 3% to $886 billion. It also
- lists certain Chinese battery companies that it says are ineligible for Defense Department procurement.
- However, that figure is small compared to the $61 billion that Biden had asked Congress to approve to help Kyiv combat a Russian invasion that began in February 2022.
- Republicans had refused to approve assistance for Ukraine without Democrats agreeing to a significant toughening of immigration law.
Reuters reminded that Congress voted for the law on December 14. This document is one of the few important acts Congress passes annually. It regulates everything from military pay raises and purchasing ships and aircraft to policies such as support for foreign partners such as Ukraine or Taiwan.
The Biden administration announced a $200 million military aid package to Ukraine, which includes artillery shells, small arms ammunition, and other weapons.
Both Republicans and Democrats said they have positive expectations in the context of negotiations on migration reform, which is a prerequisite for approving aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.The Pentagon said that if Congress does not approve new funding, the funds for military assistance to Ukraine will run out on December 30.
The US is running out of money to finance military aid to Ukraine. President Joe Biden requested more than $100 billion from Congress, including over $60 billion for Ukraine. Congress did not support this initiative.
President Biden signed an $886 billion defense bill into law on Friday that extends Ukraine aid and joint programs with the Israeli military.
Why it matters: The legislation authorizes funding and sets policy for the Pentagon without including conservative provisions on abortion; diversity, equity and inclusion programs; or transgender health care.
Details: Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for more than six decades straight.
- This year's bill, among other things, allows the Defense Department to continue the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2027.
- The Defense Department can also replace certain weapons and munitions transferred to Ukraine through fiscal year 2025, and procure additional munitions.
- The bill says the U.S. can research and test "anti-tunnel capabilities" with Israel through 2026 as well, and authorizes funding for and coproduction with Israel for the David's Sling weapon system, designed to intercept enemy rockets and missiles.
By the numbers: The record $886 billion bill is up 3% from last year, per NBC News.
- Troops will receive a 5.2% pay raise.
Of note: Also included in this year's NDAA is the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which Transparency International U.S. says is "arguably the most sweeping and consequential foreign bribery law in nearly half a century."
- The legislation bars foreign officials from requesting or taking a bribe from an American, American company or anyone inside the country, Transparency International U.S. said.
Between the lines: Members of the House Freedom Caucus criticized Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for allowing the NDAA to pass without certain conservative provisions, calling it "an utter disaster for House Republicans and a massive unforced error from leadership."
The big picture: House members left Washington after failing to reach an agreement with the Senate and White House on a new military aid package for Ukraine and Israel.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Capitol earlier this month to make the case for continued support amid Russia's ongoing invasion.
- Lawmakers have been negotiating a package that would pair Ukraine aid with U.S. border security funding, as well as assistance for Israel as the war in Gaza continues.
Go deeper: Senate passes defense bill despite culture-war pushback from GOP hardliners
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