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 The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a historic $892.6 billion defense policy bill, following a largely partisan vote of 231 to 196. A majority of Republican lawmakers supported the measure, while a significant portion of Democrats expressed reservations, although some joined the affirmative vote.

The bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), constitutes the principal annual legislation through which Congress sets strategic priorities, authorizes spending on military programs, and exercises oversight over the nation’s security policy.

Among the most significant provisions is a 3.8% pay raise for troops, a gesture aimed at improving living conditions for military personnel and maintaining competitiveness in the U.S. recruitment in a context of persistent inflation and difficulties in filling positions in the armed forces.

The bill also seeks to strengthen military readiness by increasing funding for training, equipment modernization, and infrastructure upgrades. At the same time, it introduces mechanisms to streamline the acquisition of weapons and defense systems, aiming to accelerate innovation and ensure technological superiority over rival powers such as China and Russia.

A significant aspect is the allocation of $142 billion for defense technology research and development, a figure that reflects Washington's emphasis on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, hypersonic systems, military robotics, and space defense. This push seeks not only to modernize warfighting capabilities but also to strengthen the US military industry and its network of private contractors.

On the international front, the initiative includes the repeal of decades-old authorizations for war in Iraq, inherited from the 2003 invasion and the 1991 Gulf War. With this step, Congress seeks to reaffirm its constitutional authority over the use of military force, limiting the executive branch's leeway to undertake armed actions without explicit legislative authorization.

Finally, the legislation allocates $400 million in military and security assistance to Ukraine, in line with the United States' commitment to support Kyiv against the Russian invasion. This provision has been one of the most hotly debated points, as some conservative lawmakers questioned the continued funding, while proponents emphasize the importance of maintaining stability in Eastern Europe and curbing the Kremlin's ambitions.