U.S. Senate approves $901 billion defence bill backing Ukraine and NATO

A sweeping $901 billion defence policy bill has been approved by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, clearing the way for President Donald Trump to sign it into law.

The legislation, known as the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026, was passed by a large bipartisan majority and includes a 4% pay rise for U.S. service members, funding to counter China and Russia, and continued support for Ukraine and NATO allies in Europe.

The Senate voted 77–20 in favour, a day after the bill was approved by the House of Representatives. The White House has said President Trump intends to sign the measure.

The NDAA authorises record annual military spending and is passed by Congress every year to set defence priorities and policies, though it does not allocate funding directly. 

A key element of the bill is continued U.S. backing for Ukraine, authorising $800 million in military assistance over the next two years through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The funding is used to purchase weapons and equipment from U.S. defence companies for Ukraine’s armed forces.

The legislation also strengthens U.S. commitments in Europe, despite recent uncertainty over Washington’s long-term posture on the continent.

It limits the Pentagon’s ability to reduce U.S. troop numbers in Europe below 76,000 and ensures the top U.S. military commander in Europe retains the role of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander.

In addition, the bill provides $175 million to support the defence of the Baltic states - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia - through the Baltic Security Initiative.

Bipartisan backing despite political divisions

Lawmakers from both parties highlighted the NDAA’s long tradition of bipartisan cooperation. Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said it marked the 65th consecutive year Congress had passed the legislation.

“This bill is designed to sustain and strengthen the national defence,” he said.

The measure authorises $8 billion more than President Trump had requested and includes reforms to the military’s equipment procurement system, as well as initiatives aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness with China and Russia.

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The bill also contains several politically sensitive provisions. It repeals long-standing authorisations for the use of military force against Iraq, in a move intended to reassert Congress’s authority over decisions to deploy U.S. troops.

It includes restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programmes at the Pentagon and bars transgender women from competing in women’s sports at U.S. military academies.

The NDAA also includes a provision that could restrict Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget if he does not provide Congress with unedited footage of recent U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

Once signed by President Trump, the bill will formally set U.S. defence policy for the coming year.

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