The US House of Representatives voted 312-112 on Wednesday to pass a comprehensive defense policy bill authorizing $900 billion in military programs. This significant legislation includes a pay raise for troops and a transformation of the Department of Defense’s procurement processes.
The 3,000-page bill also demands transparency regarding nearly two dozen lethal boat strikes in the Caribbean, targeting suspected drug smugglers. A particular stipulation threatens to withhold part of the travel budget of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unless the Pentagon releases an unedited video of a controversial September strike that resulted in fatalities.
Key Provisions and Military Support
Included in the bill is an authorization of $400 million annually for the next two years to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This provision underscores ongoing US support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, despite recent criticisms from former President Donald Trump, who likened Ukraine’s leader to a “salesman” who has manipulated the US into spending billions.
The White House has expressed support for the legislation, aligning it with Trump’s national security priorities. The bill proposes a 3.8% pay raise for many military personnel and improvements to housing and facilities on military bases. It also represents a political compromise, reducing climate and diversity initiatives while enhancing congressional oversight of the Pentagon.
Oversight and Accountability
The legislation includes measures to cut Hegseth’s travel budget by 25% until Congress receives the unedited footage of the strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela. This move is part of lawmakers’ efforts to assert their oversight role following a September incident where US forces fired on survivors of a partially destroyed boat.
Furthermore, the bill mandates that Hegseth allow Congress to review the orders for these strikes, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in military operations.
International Military Presence
Despite doubts about Trump’s support for Ukraine and European allies, the bill maintains a robust US military presence in Europe, requiring at least 76,000 troops and major equipment to remain stationed unless NATO allies are consulted. Typically, 80,000 to 100,000 US troops are present in Europe.
The bill also authorizes $400 million annually for weapons manufacturing for Ukraine and sets a minimum of 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, reinforcing US commitments to global security.
Controversies and Criticisms
While the bill moves to the Senate, where leaders aim to pass it before the holiday break, it has faced criticism for not adequately addressing military flight restrictions over Washington. This follows a tragic midair collision earlier this year that resulted in 67 fatalities.
Additionally, the bill makes significant cuts to climate crisis-related spending, slashing $1.6 billion, despite longstanding military assessments identifying climate change as a national security threat. It also reduces funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by $40 million, according to the House Armed Services Committee.
End of the Iraq War Authorization
In a historic move, the bill repeals the authorization for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, a decision hailed by supporters as crucial to preventing future abuses and reinforcing Iraq’s status as a strategic partner. The 2002 resolution had been cited by the Trump administration as part of the legal basis for a 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Furthermore, the bill proposes the permanent removal of US sanctions on Syria, initially imposed to penalize former leader Bashar al-Assad for human rights abuses. With a new Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, leading reconstruction efforts, advocates argue that lifting sanctions is essential for attracting international investment.
Political Dynamics and Future Implications
Democrats have criticized Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson for removing a provision that would have expanded in vitro fertilization coverage for active-duty personnel. The earlier version of the bill included this medical procedure to aid those facing infertility.
The legislation now awaits Senate approval, with lawmakers working against the clock to pass it before the holiday recess. As the bill progresses, its implications for military policy, international relations, and domestic political dynamics remain significant, shaping the future of US defense strategy.
