U.S Congress Passed the FY24 Defense Policy Bill

Defence News - The $874.2 billion defense policy bill has successfully cleared Congress and is now on its way to the White House for President Biden approval. The compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024 passed with a 310-118 vote in the Republican-controlled House on Thursday, following a similar 87-13 vote in the Democratic-held Senate on Wednesday.

Highlighting the urgency of enacting the NDAA, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers emphasized the unprecedented and evolving threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and global terrorist organizations. The bill aligns closely with Biden proposed budget after Republicans agreed to cap defense spending as part of the May debt ceiling agreement.

While the Defense Department is currently operating under a stopgap funding bill, the NDAA authorizes $100 million for the Air Force to initiate a limited number of new programs until a full defense spending bill is passed. The legislation also allows for the retirement of some F-15 Eagle fighters and A-10 Warthogs but blocks the retirement of 32 older F-22 Raptors.

Among its provisions, the NDAA expands the list of munitions eligible for emergency and multiyear procurement authorities, including Israel and Taiwan. Six new munitions, such as Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and Precision Strike Missiles, are now eligible for multiyear buys. The bill also allocates $1 billion to complete the purchase of a San Antonio-class amphibious ship and institutionalizes the sea-launched nuclear cruise missile program.

In response to the trilateral AUKUS agreement with Australia and Britain, the NDAA authorizes key measures, including the transfer of three Virginia-class submarines to Australia. To counter China influence, the bill requires the Defense Department to establish a comprehensive training program for Taiwan military forces and enhance the country cybersecurity.

For Europe, the NDAA maintains a provision requiring Senate approval for any U.S. withdrawal from NATO and allocates $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in both FY24 and FY25. The bill also delays the construction of the Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs until July for further evaluation.

In summary, the NDAA addresses critical defense and security concerns, allocating funds, authorizing key programs, and responding to geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and space.