• The US Senate passed a $901 billion defense bill, authorizing military spending and support for Ukraine.
• The National Defense Authorization Act requires maintaining troop levels in Europe and enhances congressional oversight.
• The bill includes funding cuts to diversity initiatives and climate programs within the Department of Defense.
• A separate provision demands transparency regarding military strikes in the Caribbean, including video footage from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• It repeals the 2003 Iraq invasion authorization, signaling a shift in congressional war powers.

The US Senate voted overwhelmingly on December 17 to advance a monumental $901 billion defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aimed at setting military policy for the upcoming fiscal year. The bipartisan support led to a vote tally of 77 to 20, reflecting consensus across party lines and underscoring a robust commitment to military funding, including a 4% pay raise for troops. This legislation is poised for signature by President Donald Trump, aligning with his national security priorities while combining separate measures approved earlier by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The NDAA allocates significant funds to Ukraine, with $800 million earmarked for military support over two years, as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This initiative is designed to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against aggression, reflecting ongoing US commitments to European security amidst shifting focus from Europe to Central and South America in the Trump administration's strategic outlook. The bill includes provisions that limit the Department of Defense's ability to reduce US troop levels in Europe below 76,000, aiming to maintain a strong congressive oversight mechanism over military deployment, according to Channel News Asia and Los Angeles Times.

The bill's provisions also reflect a bipartisan push for enhanced transparency regarding military operations. It pressures Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release video footage of US military strikes targeting alleged drug smuggling operations in international waters near Venezuela, amidst concerns over a recent strike that resulted in civilian casualties. This aspect of the bill emerged following bipartisan calls for increased accountability and clearer communication with Congress regarding military actions abroad, according to NPR and Los Angeles Times.

In a notable departure from prior funding policies, the NDAA repeals the 2003 authorization for the invasion of Iraq, marking a significant legislative move to reclaim congressional powers over military engagement decisions. This shift reflects a growing bipartisan recognition of the need to avoid future military actions undertaken without express congressional approval. Furthermore, the legislation also codifies cuts to diversity initiatives and climate change-related funding within the Defense Department, which aligns with some of the key priorities of the Trump administration, as outlined by Al Jazeera and Reuters.