Summary
The US Senate approved a $901 billion defense budget, which now awaits President Trump's signature. The budget includes a pay raise for service members and sets conditions on military operations, troop levels, and support for Ukraine. Some lawmakers criticized certain provisions of the bill related to military aircraft safety.
Key Facts
- The US Senate approved a $901 billion annual defense budget.
- The bill includes a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel.
- It requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide footage of military actions against suspected drug-running boats near Venezuela.
- The bill maintains current US troop numbers in Europe and specifies military aid for Ukraine.
- It was approved with a 77-20 vote by the Senate.
- Criticisms of the bill include a provision that allows military aircraft to fly without sharing precise location data.
- Some Democrats pushed for more oversight of military decisions related to Ukraine.
- The bill does not fund changing the Department of Defense's name, despite President Trump’s interest in doing so.
