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The Senate has approved a $901 billion military policy bill, authorizing defense programs and a 3.8% troop pay increase. The legislation represents a compromise between parties, reflecting some of President Trump’s proposals while also addressing congressional concerns. Key provisions include enhanced oversight of the Department of Defense, repeal of outdated war authorizations, and a push to require Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide video of strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela. Further, the bill codifies cuts to diversity and climate initiatives while providing military aid to Ukraine and lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria.
The House of Representatives recently passed a $900 billion defense spending bill including military aid to Ukraine, specifically reauthorizing the USAI and allocating $400 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The legislation also restricts the Pentagon’s ability to reduce troops in Europe below 76,000 for more than 45 days and mandates congressional notification regarding restrictions on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Despite the bill’s support, the Trump administration is currently using the PURL to sell arms to Ukraine via NATO partners instead of allocating new defense aid. In his push for a peace deal, Trump has emphasized that the U.S. is not directly funding the war but rather profiting from weapons sales to NATO.
John Q. Hosedrinker