The U.S. Senate has approved the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a military policy bill that authorizes $901 billion for defense programs. The legislation includes a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel and addresses various aspects of U.S. military operations, policy, and oversight. The bill received bipartisan support and aligns with stated White House national security priorities.
Core Authorizations and Financial Provisions
The NDAA allocates $901 billion for defense programs for the upcoming fiscal year. A key provision within the legislation mandates a 3.8% pay raise for all active-duty military personnel.
Congressional Oversight and Transparency
The bill enhances congressional oversight of the Department of Defense, requiring notification on specific decisions. These include intelligence sharing pauses, reductions in U.S. troop presence in NATO nations, and the removal of top military officials.
A specific provision within the bill mandates that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provide unedited video footage and authorizing orders of U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats in international waters near Venezuela to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. A quarter of Secretary Hegseth's travel budget could be withheld if he fails to comply. This requirement follows congressional investigations into a September 2 strike that resulted in fatalities. Prior to the vote, Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley provided a classified briefing, which included video of the incident, and Secretary Hegseth also briefed lawmakers.
Troop Posture and International Aid
The legislation outlines specific requirements for U.S. troop levels:
- It mandates maintaining a minimum of 76,000 U.S. troops in Europe.
- It mandates maintaining 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea.
These troop levels are to be maintained unless NATO allies are consulted and a withdrawal is determined to be in U.S. interests.
Additionally, the bill authorizes $400 million annually for the next two years for weapon manufacturing intended for Ukraine.
Domestic Military Policies
The NDAA grants emergency military powers for operations at the U.S. border with Mexico. It also seeks to modify the Pentagon's weapons procurement processes, aiming to support technological advancement against global competitors.
Changes to internal military policies include:
- Diversity and Inclusion: The bill codifies changes to military diversity and inclusion efforts, repealing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and training programs, including the position of chief diversity officer. These changes are estimated to save the Pentagon approximately $40 million.
- Climate Programs: The legislation enacts a reduction of $1.6 billion by eliminating climate-change-related programs within the Department of Defense.
Repeal of War Authorizations and Sanctions
The bill includes the repeal of the authorization for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the 1991 authorization for the U.S.-led Gulf War. The legislation also enacts a permanent lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria. Proponents of this measure state it aims to support Syria's economic reconstruction and encourage democracy.
Objections to Airspace Operations Provision
The Senate Commerce Committee raised objections to a provision within the bill that allows military aircraft to obtain waivers for operating without broadcasting their precise location. Senator Ted Cruz, the Republican chair of the committee, stated that a similar waiver was a factor in a January midair collision in Washington, D.C., that resulted in 67 fatalities. Senator Cruz indicated plans to seek a vote on separate bipartisan legislation to mandate precise location sharing for military aircraft and improve coordination in busy airspaces.