The Bill includes funding for Ukraine, a large military support for Israel and pay raises for troops and restrictions on European force levels
By Catholics for Catholics
President Donald Trump signed into law an almost $1 trillion defense policy bill Thursday and permitted what looks to be the biggest military spending package in U.S. history.
The fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act permits $901 billion in military spending, roughly $8 billion more than the administration requested, according to Reuters.
But the law will go even further. Israel will also receive vigorous support, with $600 million authorized for security assistance, including funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system and many other military and hi-tech goodies, according to Fox News.
Included in the NDAA are also $800 million for Ukraine over the next two years as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which pays U.S. firms for weapons for Ukraine’s military. The package will also entail $175 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, which supports Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Rep. Rick Allen, R-Ga said in a release shared online, “with President Trump’s signature, the FY2026 NDAA officially delivers on our peace-through-strength agenda with a generational investment in our national defense.
“Not only does this bipartisan bill ensure America’s warfighters are the most lethal and capable fighting force in the world, but it also improves the quality of life for our service members in the 12th District and nationwide.”
As for American forces in Europe, the bill prohibits reducing U.S. troop levels in the continent below 76,000 for more than 45 days without formal certification by Congress.
The NDAA legislation also limits the administration from lowering U.S. forces in South Korea below 28,500 troops.
Trump ultimately backed the bill partly because it codifies some of his executive orders, including funding Israel’s Golden Dome missile defense system and getting rid of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, per Reuters.
“Under President Trump, the U.S. is rebuilding strength, restoring deterrence and proving America will not back down. President Trump and Republicans promised peace through strength. The FY26 NDAA delivers it,” House Speaker Mike Johnson had said in a statement Dec. 7 on the new measures.
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