US Senate Approves 901 Billion Dollar Defense Act, Repealing War Authorizations and Setting Troop Limits in Europe

On December 17, 2025, the United States Senate formally passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2026 fiscal year. This action establishes the legislative framework governing military expenditures for the upcoming period. The bill, which emerged from a compromise between the versions passed by the House and the Senate, secured overwhelming bipartisan backing, passing with a vote of 77 to 20. This strong majority underscores broad agreement on the core tenets of the legislation.

The total funding authorized within the NDAA reached $901 billion, exceeding the administration's initial budget request by $8 billion. This marks the 65th consecutive year that Congress has successfully enacted this foundational piece of defense legislation. The consistent passage highlights the enduring importance of the NDAA in shaping national security policy year after year.

Key provisions within the new legislation mandate a 3.8% increase in the basic pay for service members. Furthermore, the bill sets firm minimum thresholds for American military deployments abroad. Specifically, no fewer than 76,000 soldiers must remain stationed in Europe. Similarly, the contingent in South Korea cannot drop below 28,500 personnel. These troop levels are binding unless the Department of Defense provides Congress with a comprehensive justification and consults with NATO allies regarding any proposed drawdowns in Europe. Lawmakers view these mandates as crucial mechanisms for institutionalizing commitments and restricting executive flexibility in strategically vital regions.

In terms of international assistance, the NDAA reaffirms Washington's dedication to its geopolitical priorities. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) is slated to receive $800 million, split evenly with $400 million allocated for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This funding is specifically earmarked to finance weapons procurements directly from American manufacturers. For Taiwan, $1 billion is designated under the Security Cooperation Initiative. Regarding Israel, $600 million is allocated for security needs. Notably, funding for the Iron Dome system is reduced to $60 million—a decrease of $50 million compared to fiscal year 2025—with those redirected funds supporting the Arrow 3 ballistic missile interceptor program.

Perhaps one of the most significant legislative actions taken is the formal closure of long-standing conflict authorizations. The new law definitively repeals the 2003 authorization for the invasion of Iraq and the 1991 authorization concerning the Persian Gulf War. The repeal of Syria's Caesar Act sanctions from 2019 is also included, though it is contingent upon strict stipulations. These conditions require certification from the US President confirming Syria's adherence to counter-terrorism measures, respect for minority rights, and abstention from military aggression against its neighbors. Should these standards not be met across two consecutive reporting periods, the sanctions retain the possibility of reinstatement.

Domestic policy within the Department of Defense also sees notable shifts. Legislators successfully pushed for the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and programs, a move estimated by the House Armed Services Committee to yield approximately $40 million in savings. Additionally, roughly $1.6 billion is being withdrawn from Pentagon programs associated with addressing climate change. In its oversight capacity, the Senate also applied pressure on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, demanding unedited video footage related to controversial strikes against vessels involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Senate threatened to withhold a quarter of the Secretary's travel budget until this information is provided. These strikes, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 95 individuals since September, have raised serious questions regarding adherence to the laws of armed conflict.