The bill reflects Democratic efforts to increase oversight of the Trump administration’s military actions.
The U.S. Senate has passed a $901 billion bill setting out defense policy and spending for fiscal year 2026, combining priorities supported by President Donald Trump’s administration with provisions to maintain Congressional oversight of U.S. military forces.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was approved Wednesday by a vote of 77-20, with senators adopting the bill passed by the House last month. It now goes to Trump for signature.
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Several provisions in the bill reflect efforts by Democrats, supported by some Republicans, to limit how quickly the Trump administration can reduce U.S. military involvement in Europe.
The bill would require the Pentagon to maintain at least 76,000 U.S. troops in Europe unless the administration, in consultation with NATO allies, determines that reductions are in the U.S. national interest. The United States typically has 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers stationed across the continent. Similar measures would prevent the US military in South Korea from being reduced below 28,500 troops.
Congress also stepped up its support for Ukraine, approving $800 million under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, with $400 million earmarked for each of the next two years. An additional $400 million per year was approved for the production of weapons for Ukraine, demonstrating Congress’s continued support for Kiev and reinforcing Washington’s commitment to the defense of Europe.
Congressional oversight focused on the Asia-Pacific region
The bill also reflects priorities consistent with the Trump administration’s national security strategy, which places the Asia-Pacific region at the center of U.S. foreign policy and positions the region as a key economic and geopolitical battleground.
In line with this approach, the NDAA provides $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, aimed at increasing defense cooperation as the United States seeks to counter China’s growing military influence.
The bill authorizes $600 million in security assistance to Israel, including funding for joint missile defense programs such as Iron Dome, which has long had broad bipartisan support in Congress.
The NDAA strengthens reporting requirements on U.S. military activities, an area Democrats in particular have called for increased oversight.
It directs the Pentagon to provide Congress with additional information about attacks targeting suspected smuggling and trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, and pressures Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to provide lawmakers with footage of U.S. attacks on alleged drug smuggling vessels operating in international waters near Venezuela.
Lawmakers moved to increase oversight after a September strike killed two survivors of an earlier boat attack.
Some Democratic politicians say they have not been briefed on campaign elements in advance, prompting calls for clearer reporting requirements.
Sanctions and America First
The bill would override the 2003 authorization of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the authorization of the 1991 Gulf War. Supporters in both parties said the repeal would reduce the risk of future military action without explicit Congressional approval.
The bill also permanently lifts U.S. sanctions on Syria imposed during the administration of President Bashar al-Assad, following the Trump administration’s decision to temporarily ease restrictions. Supporters say the measure will help rebuild Syria after President al-Assad was ousted from power a year ago.
Other provisions more closely align with the priorities advanced by President Trump and Republicans under the administration’s America First policy.
The NDAA eliminates the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Department of Defense and its training programs, including the role of chief diversity officer. The House Armed Services Committee claims the change will save about $40 million.
The bill also cuts $1.6 billion from Department of Defense programs related to climate change. The U.S. military has long identified climate-related risks as a factor affecting its bases and operations, but the Trump administration and Republican leaders have insisted that defense spending should prioritize immediate military capabilities.
