Archive · 19 Dec 2025
US approves $901 billion defence bill
The US Senate and House of Representatives have approved a big defence bill called the NDAA.
This bill gives $901 billion to the military, which is a lot of money.
It includes a pay raise for soldiers, money for new military equipment, and support for Ukraine and some European countries.
The bill also makes sure there are enough US troops in Europe and stops the military leader in Europe from giving up their important title.
The President is expected to sign this bill into law soon.
Some people wanted to add safety rules for military helicopters, but that didn't happen.
The bill also includes some rules that affect transgender women in sports at military schools.
President Trump plans to sign the bill despite some provisions he disagrees with, such as aid to Ukraine and measures to boost European security.
The US Senate approved the $901 billion fiscal 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) with a 77–20 vote.
The bill includes a 4 percent pay increase for service members and funding for military equipment.
It provides $800 million for Ukraine over two years and $175 million for the Baltic Security Initiative.
The bill limits the reduction of US forces in Europe to fewer than 76,000 and maintains the NATO Supreme Commander title.
President Trump plans to sign the bill into law despite some provisions he disagrees with, such as aid to Ukraine and measures to boost European security.
- Who
- US Senate and House of Representatives
- What
- Approved the fiscal 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA)
- When
- Wednesday (Senate vote), last week (House vote), to be signed Thursday
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To set Pentagon policy, boost defence spending, and support Ukraine and Europe
Pro-European Security
Trump's Stance
European Security
Pro-European Security
The NDAA includes provisions to boost security in Europe, such as funding for Ukraine and the Baltic Security Initiative.
Trump's Stance
Trump has been cool to bolstering European security, feeling the allies should pay their own way.
- Bill Name
- Fiscal 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA)
- Total Spending
- $901 billion
- Pay Increase for Service Members
- 4 percent
- Funding for Ukraine
- $800 million ($400 million per year for 2 years)
- Baltic Security Initiative Funding
- $175 million
- Minimum US Forces in Europe
- 76,000
- Senate Vote
- 77–20
- House Vote
- Approved last week
- Signing Time
- 6 p.m. ET on Thursday
