On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives approved a draft law on defense policy for 2026 worth USD 892.6 billion. The document provides for strengthening military readiness, increasing salaries for American servicemen and a number of socially conservative restrictions.
It was reported by The New York Times.
The law was adopted by 231 votes to 196, mostly along party lines. Republicans have turned the traditional annual Pentagon document into a tool for promoting conservative social policies, adding a ban on gender-affirming treatment for the military and blocking access to abortion in the armed forces.
For the third year in a row, Republicans have added similar provisions, in particular on diversity programs and climate initiatives. This leads to conflicts even with Democrats, who previously supported defense spending.
While the debate in Congress has largely centered around these social restrictions, the bill also contains provisions that have bipartisan support. In particular, it seeks to reform the Pentagon's planning and funding process and expand Congress's authority to oversee military operations.
Despite skepticism from many Republicans about funding Ukraine, the bill includes USD 400 million for the Pentagon's security assistance program to Kyiv. The House of Representatives rejected a proposal by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene to reduce this amount, with both Democrats and some Republicans voting against it.
In addition, the bill includes a provision requiring the Department of Defense to report to Congress if it suspends or cancels military aid to Ukraine approved by lawmakers. This was in response to the Pentagon's decision in the summer to temporarily freeze supplies without warning Congress.
At the same time, the version of the bill approved in July by the Senate Armed Services Committee called for a larger amount — USD 500 million in aid to Ukraine.
Remember, Trump canceled the allocation of USD 9 billion for foreign aid and state-owned television companies.
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