U.S. Congress Approves $886 Billion Defense Budget

More than two-thirds of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted positively on Thursday, December 14, to the country's defense policy bill and sent it to the White House for approval and signature by President Joe Biden. According to Reuters, this $886 billion budget, known as the NDAA, which sets a record in this area, includes annual military expenses for the U.S. and enables Biden's administration to assist Ukraine and counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. The House passed the bill with 310 votes in favor and 118 against, with strong support from Republicans and some Democrats. To pass this bill, a positive vote from more than two-thirds of the majority of representatives was needed for it to be sent to the White House and become law. This bill, while determining government spending levels, also includes provisions such as a 5.2% pay raise for soldiers this year, as well as the purchase of ships, ammunition, and aircraft. This is one of the few fundamental bills in the United States that becomes law every year, and members of Congress use it as a tool for a wide range of initiatives. The bill is closely monitored by Lockheed Martin and other arms companies that typically contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. This 3,100-page bill with a budget of $886 billion is nearly three percent more than last year's defense budget. In the final version, regulations related to contentious social issues such as access to abortion or creating medical conditions for transgender employees, which Republicans oppose, were removed. The U.S. Senate, controlled by Democrats, passed the bill on Wednesday with significant bipartisan support, with 87 votes in favor and 13 against. The House and Senate had each passed separate versions of their bills earlier this year, and the current action was a compromise between the two parties and two chambers to pass the final bill. This bill enables assistance to Ukraine to counter Russia's military invasion until the end of 2026 and allows for $300 million for the 'Assistance to Ukraine' program until the end of the fiscal year ending next September, and thereafter. However, this amount is negligible compared to Biden's $61 billion request for Ukraine. Republicans have stated that they will not approve assistance to Ukraine without Democrats agreeing to changes in U.S. immigration laws. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with American lawmakers in the Capitol on Tuesday, December 12, to support Biden's requested budget but failed to secure a commitment from them. Biden's efforts to reach an agreement with Congress; U.S. border and asylum restrictions are being reviewed. Senate Republican Leader: Approval of the Ukraine aid package before Christmas is not possible. Biden and Zelensky, while acknowledging Ukraine's achievements, rejected claims of a failed counteroffensive. Zelensky called for continued financial support for Ukraine to counter Russia in the U.S. Congress. Zelensky urged Congress in Washington not to play into Russia's hands. Biden's requested budget for assistance to Ukraine is at an impasse in Congress; Republicans say U.S. border security is a priority.