On Thursday, more than two-thirds of the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a defense policy bill that includes a record $886 billion in annual military spending. The NDAA also authorizes policies such as aid for Ukraine and measures to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.
The House supported the NDAA with a vote of 310 to 118, receiving strong bipartisan support from both Republicans and Democrats. The approval exceeded the two-thirds majority required for the measure to pass, and it is now set to be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature.
Separate from appropriations bills that determine government spending levels, the NDAA covers various aspects, including pay raises for troops (this year’s increase is 5.2%) and authorizations for the acquisition of ships, ammunition, and aircraft.