US lawmakers on Wednesday approved a sweeping defence policy bill, underlining strong bipartisan support for NATO and European allies while pushing back against President Donald Trump’s increasingly critical tone toward the alliance.
The Senate passed the $900 billion National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) by a decisive 77–20 vote, sending the legislation to the White House. The move marked one of the few remaining areas of cross-party cooperation in Congress amid growing divisions over foreign policy.
“We ask a lot of the brave Americans who serve in uniform, and they give a lot,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said ahead of the vote. He added that the bill ensures US forces have the resources needed to keep the country safe in a dangerous world.
The Senate vote followed approval by the House of Representatives last week. It comes at a time of unease in European capitals, where leaders have voiced concern over Trump’s rhetoric toward NATO and longstanding allies.
Breaking News: The Senate approved a $900 billion defense policy bill, clearing legislation to authorize new weapons and technology, with measures to reassert some congressional oversight of military operations. Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. https://t.co/Y6AX9o6iXF
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 17, 2025Recent US national security strategy documents criticised Europe as over-regulated and insufficiently committed to its own defence. The language echoed themes promoted by far-right movements and raised fears of a widening transatlantic rift.
In contrast, the NDAA firmly anchors US military commitments in Europe. The bill prevents troop levels on the continent from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days. It also restricts the removal of major military equipment, limiting any rapid drawdown.
Lawmakers also increased funding for frontline NATO states, particularly in the Baltic region, strengthening the alliance’s eastern defences. The bill authorises about $8 billion more than the administration requested, reflecting Congress’s assertive stance on defence priorities.
🚨𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 $𝟗𝟎𝟎 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥
Read here:https://t.co/NSfEDl7U4W
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) December 17, 2025Beyond Europe, the NDAA guarantees $400 million in security assistance for Ukraine, ensuring continued support despite broader funding disputes. It also places new limits on any reduction of the 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea.
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The legislation faced criticism from multiple sides. Some conservatives opposed continued aid to Ukraine, while aviation safety experts warned against provisions that relax air-safety rules for military aircraft operating near Washington’s restricted airspace.
Despite the objections, lawmakers treated the NDAA as essential legislation, and none of the concerns came close to blocking its passage.
