US House of Representatives passes $883.7 billion defense bill

The US nuclear-powered submarine USS Annapolis leads an exercise off the Korean peninsula.

The Hill newspaper reported on December 12 that the US House of Representatives has just passed an annual defense policy bill worth 883.7 billion USD, including a 14.5% pay increase for young enlisted soldiers and a 4.5% increase for all other members.

The bill, called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by a vote of 281-140, with 200 Republicans and 81 Democrats supporting it.

In addition to provisions on military equipment purchases and enhancing competitiveness with rivals like China and Russia, this year's 1,800-page bill also focuses on improving the quality of life of US troops.

In addition to raising military pay, the bill also proposes building military housing, schools and childcare centers.

The House passed the bill despite opposition from some Democratic lawmakers, who disagreed with some amendments on culture wars.

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In addition to the cultural warfare amendments, the NDAA also proposes measures such as increasing the US presence in the Indo- Pacific and establishing a Taiwan fund similar to Ukraine's initiative that would allow the US to send weapons to the country by purchasing directly from the private sector.

The defense bill also funds key programs and initiatives, and outlines steps to buy seven warships and build about 200 aircraft.

The bill's most controversial provision is a restriction on the use of funds from TRICARE, the health care program for active-duty military personnel, to cover sex-related care for children of service members 18 and younger.

Senator John Thune said the bill will go to the Senate for a vote early next week.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ha-vien-my-thong-qua-du-luat-quoc-phong-tri-gia-8837-ti-usd-185241212070618302.htm