US Congress Approves $900 Billion Military Spending Bill Amid Controversy Over Drone Strikes and Ukraine Aid
The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping defense policy bill on Wednesday with a vote of 312-112, authorizing nearly $1 trillion for military programs in the next fiscal year. The bill includes provisions that would increase pay for troops by 3.8%, modernize how the Department of Defense purchases weapons, and authorize additional funding for Ukraine.
However, the legislation has drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over its lack of transparency regarding deadly drone strikes targeting suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. The White House has indicated support for the bill, but President Donald Trump has dodged questions about the unreleased footage of a recent strike that killed survivors of an earlier attack.
The defense policy bill also includes provisions aimed at boosting US support for Ukraine as it battles Russian aggression. This includes authorizing $400 million annually for the next two years to manufacture weapons for the country, as well as requiring the Pentagon to maintain a significant military presence in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and there is a determination that such a withdrawal would be in the nation's interests.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have pushed back against a provision that would cut funding for climate crisis-related spending by $1.6 billion, citing national security concerns about the impact of climate change on US military bases.
The bill has also been criticized for its lack of support for diversity and inclusion initiatives within the Department of Defense, with $40 million in funding being cut from programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As the legislation moves to the Senate, lawmakers are working to address some of the concerns raised by their colleagues. The defense policy bill is seen as a must-pass measure before Congress breaks for the holidays, although some lawmakers have expressed opposition to certain provisions in the bill.
The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping defense policy bill on Wednesday with a vote of 312-112, authorizing nearly $1 trillion for military programs in the next fiscal year. The bill includes provisions that would increase pay for troops by 3.8%, modernize how the Department of Defense purchases weapons, and authorize additional funding for Ukraine.
However, the legislation has drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over its lack of transparency regarding deadly drone strikes targeting suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. The White House has indicated support for the bill, but President Donald Trump has dodged questions about the unreleased footage of a recent strike that killed survivors of an earlier attack.
The defense policy bill also includes provisions aimed at boosting US support for Ukraine as it battles Russian aggression. This includes authorizing $400 million annually for the next two years to manufacture weapons for the country, as well as requiring the Pentagon to maintain a significant military presence in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and there is a determination that such a withdrawal would be in the nation's interests.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have pushed back against a provision that would cut funding for climate crisis-related spending by $1.6 billion, citing national security concerns about the impact of climate change on US military bases.
The bill has also been criticized for its lack of support for diversity and inclusion initiatives within the Department of Defense, with $40 million in funding being cut from programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As the legislation moves to the Senate, lawmakers are working to address some of the concerns raised by their colleagues. The defense policy bill is seen as a must-pass measure before Congress breaks for the holidays, although some lawmakers have expressed opposition to certain provisions in the bill.
. $900 billion? It's crazy! I get that national security is important, but can't we find ways to make our troops safer and more efficient without breaking the bank 
? And what's up with the lack of transparency on drone strikes? We're supposed to be a beacon of freedom and justice, right? 
, but isn't $400 million just a drop in the bucket? Shouldn't we be doing more to help them out? 
Plus, what's with the provision that cuts funding for climate crisis-related spending? It's like we're saying that climate change is just a partisan issue and not something we need to take seriously 
.
It's just not adding up in my head... 
but at what cost? I mean, isn't $400 million annually for manufacturing weapons just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall budget? It feels like they're trying to make up for something, but what?
. Like, come on guys! We need to be supporting our troops AND taking care of the planet at the same time. This is just too much for me to handle 
[Drooling Donut with a Military Helmet ]
OMG I'm low-key worried about this $900 billion military spending bill 
The fact that they can just cut $40 million from diversity and inclusion programs is wild too... it's like we're not taking our own issues seriously enough 
Can we please just make some changes to this bill before it passes? 
they just kill people... maybe we should think about how many ppl are actually benefiting from these strikes? and what's up with the $400 million for Ukraine, can't they just trade or negotiate like everyone else? 
.
. I get that climate change can have some serious impacts on our military bases, but cutting funding for climate crisis-related spending doesn't make sense to me 
. We need to be more transparent about our military actions, invest in sustainable solutions, and prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives 
.
. The lack of transparency regarding drone strikes in the Caribbean is really concerning 
. Cutting $40 million from programs that promote these values is a step back for the country, I think.
. But we need to make sure that lawmakers are holding themselves accountable for making responsible decisions on behalf of the American people 
We need to make sure our military is representing all sides of society, not just a select few. #DiversityAndInclusionMatter
. Just hope our elected officials are payin' attention to these concerns before we're stuck with a whole lotta debt 
.
We need to be investing in sustainable energy, not bombing some Caribbean islands with drones 
. The whole thing just feels so... off, you know? 
and those $40 million in funding cuts from diversity initiatives? come on... if the military is really supposed to be inclusive then why are they getting rid of programs that promote that? 