Trump signs $900 bn defense policy bill into law

President Donald Trump signed a sweeping protection policy invoice into legislation Thursday that signaled precise bipartisan make stronger for Europe and defied the US leader’s an increasing number of opposed posture toward NATO and The US’s closest allies.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), one the few final rituals of corrupt-celebration cooperation in Congress even as divisions sharpen in completely different places in Washington, items out the nation’s national security and international policy precedence areas for the arriving year, in step with lawmakers.

White Condo spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump signed into legislation a measure which raises pay for US troops, codifies the nation’s “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH agenda,” and “funds the Golden Dome” air and missile protection system backed by Trump.

The NDAA, at some $900 billion, moreover “removes woke priorities” like diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs antagonistic by many conservatives, and “requires promotions based on merit, not DEI,” Kelly added.

The Senate with out problems handed the NDAA measure on Wednesday following the Condo’s green light final week.

The success comes amid unease in European capitals over Trump’s rhetoric, in particular after the unique White Condo national security approach painted Europe as over-regulated, culturally adrift and insufficiently committed to its savor protection.

The approach puzzled the continent’s strategic price and overtly echoed themes championed by some distance-correct parties, fueling fears of a widening transatlantic rift.

By distinction, the NDAA reflects lawmakers’ decision to anchor the United States firmly in Europe.

The invoice bars US troop levels on the continent from falling beneath 76,000 for extra than Forty five days and restricts the removal of predominant militia tools, successfully tying the administration’s fingers on any hasty drawdown.

It moreover boosts resources for frontline NATO states, in particular in the Baltic situation, reinforcing the alliance’s northeastern flank.

The measure authorizes roughly $8 billion extra than the administration requested, a signal of congressional assertiveness on protection priorities.

Beyond Europe, the NDAA locks in $400 million in security assist for Ukraine, aiming to withhold a baseline of make stronger even as broader funding debates grind on, and locations unique limits on any low cost of the 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea.

As ever, the NDAA drew fire from a pair of directions — from conservative critics of Ukraine assist to safety experts warning about aviation provisions rolling encourage extreme air-safety requirements for militia aircraft working in Washington’s restricted airspace.

But none came shut to derailing a kit lengthy viewed as have to-pass legislation.

Supply: AFP