The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will implement a policy of “peace through strength,” protect against domestic and foreign threats, and strengthen the defense industrial base, while ending funding for wasteful and radical programs that undermine military morale, President Donald Trump said in a statement posted on the White House website.
Contrary to initial plans, Donald Trump signed the bill on Thursday behind closed doors and without the presence of the media.
The day before, the bill was passed by the Senate by a vote of 77:20. On December 11, it was passed by the House of Representatives. The document authorizes defense spending in the amount of $901 billion – $8 billion more than the president requested. It assumes an increase in salaries for soldiers by 4%. It also contains many additional provisions regarding foreign policy.
One of its elements is to prevent the reduction of US armed forces in Europe below the level of 76,000. for more than 45 days until the head of the Pentagon and the head of European Command (EUCOM) submit separate reports to Congress justifying their decision. These documents must include why such a move is consistent with U.S. national security interests and confirm that the decision was made in consultation with all NATO allies and alliance partners.
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How much money was allocated to the US defense budget?
What does the defense act regarding Poland contain?
What support is planned for Ukraine?
How many US troops are stationed in Poland?
By U.S. European Command (EUCOM) There are currently over 80,000 soldiers stationed on the Old Continent. US soldiers, including approx. 10,000 — in Poland.
The bill includes support for Ukraine. There is also talk about Poland
The document, which is the result of many months of negotiations between parties and houses of Congress, also includes provisions regarding the presence of US forces in South Korea. The bill earmarked $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) program, under which the United States purchases weapons for Ukraine. In addition, USD 175 million will be allocated to the Baltic Security Initiative program, which aims to strengthen the defense of the Baltic states.
In the text eight investments in Polish-financed bases where US forces are stationed were also mentioned: at the training ground in Drawsko Pomorskie, the ground forces base in Powidz and the air bases in Łask and Wrocław. The total amount of these investments is USD 504 million.
