It also boosts military pay, modernizes armed forces, and funds allies.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a US$900 billion defense bill for fiscal year 2026. The measure was driven by broad bipartisan support in the Senate and will allow for a 3.6% pay raise for U.S. military personnel.
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The law seeks not only to improve salaries but also to modernize the armed forces, including the construction and acquisition of aircraft and submarines, as well as the implementation of reforms to the delivery of military equipment.
In addition, the legislation allocates US$800 million in support for Ukraine, along with additional funds for Israel, Taiwan, Iraq and other allies.
On international matters, the legislation lifts sanctions that had been imposed on the government of Bashar al-Assad, justifying the move as support for Syria’s economic recovery after more than a decade of civil war.
🇺🇸🇺🇦 Trump Signs 1 Trillion Defense Bill – Includes $800 million for Ukraine
▪️Trump approves 100s of millions in military spending for Ukraine – continuing Biden-era flow of weapons and munitions;
▪️ 10,000s of US troops to remain in Europe;
▪️And as this all continues… pic.twitter.com/kMvvi8vN2P
— Brian Berletic (@BrianJBerletic) December 19, 2025
It also contains a provision that withholds 25% of the travel budget of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth if he fails to deliver to Congress the videos and orders related to attacks in the Caribbean.
This conditions part of the budget on compliance with transparency requirements regarding the military campaign against Venezuela, which Washington has justified as part of its fight against drug trafficking.
The signing of the law reinforces the Trump administration’s national security agenda, combining military modernization, international support and legislative oversight, and consolidates the United States’ stance on defense and foreign policy for the upcoming fiscal year.
#US President Donald Trump assured the press that he does not need any authorization from #Congress to carry out military operations in #VenezuelanTerritory. pic.twitter.com/OEgVveysuK
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 18, 2025
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Source: EFE
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