The United States Congress has finalised a monumental defence spending package, setting the stage for a significant boost to military funding and transatlantic security commitments. The Senate voted decisively on Wednesday to advance the $901bn fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sending the comprehensive legislation to the White House where President Donald Trump is expected to sign it into law.
A Compromise Bill with Record Funding
This year's NDAA represents a compromise between earlier versions passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. It authorises a record level of annual military expenditure, which includes a 4% pay raise for US troops and substantial investments in new equipment. A core focus of the bill is enhancing American competitiveness against strategic rivals, namely China and Russia.
The final vote in the Senate was 77 to 20, demonstrating robust bipartisan support. This follows the bill's passage in the House last week. Notably, the legislation advances several provisions aimed at fortifying security in Europe, marking a distinct legislative push that runs counter to President Trump's recently stated national security strategy, which has been viewed as reassessing Washington's relationship with Europe and adopting a more conciliatory tone towards Moscow.
Key Provisions for Ukraine and European Allies
In a clear signal of continued support for Kyiv, the defence bill allocates $800m for Ukraine over the next two years. This funding, designated as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will be disbursed in two equal tranches of $400m for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The initiative funds contracts with American defence companies to provide weapons and equipment directly to the Ukrainian military.
Beyond direct aid to Ukraine, the act strengthens US commitments to NATO's eastern flank. It formally authorises the Baltic Security Initiative and provides $175m to support the defence capabilities of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Furthermore, it places legislative constraints on the Pentagon, limiting its ability to reduce the number of US forces stationed in Europe to fewer than 76,000 personnel. It also bars the US European Command leader from relinquishing the title of NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Culture War Elements and Omitted Proposals
The sprawling bill also reflects domestic political debates, incorporating several measures championed by the US political right. One prominent provision bars transgender women from participating in women's athletic programs at US military academies.
However, the final text omitted some of President Trump's more controversial desires. Notably, it does not include funding to officially rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a change the President cannot enact without congressional approval. The legislation also moved forward despite calls from a bipartisan group of senators to add stricter military helicopter safety rules following a tragic mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk and a passenger jet that claimed 67 lives. Ultimately, concerns on this issue did not delay the bill's passage.
This year's NDAA continues a six-decade-long tradition of Congress passing the annual defence policy bill, underscoring its status as a must-pass piece of legislation. Its provisions, particularly those reinforcing support for Ukraine and European allies, establish a firm congressional stance on foreign policy as President Trump prepares to enact it into law.
