Overview
- The House approved the National Defense Authorization Act in a 312–112 vote, sending the package to the Senate for consideration.
- The bill bars sustained reductions of U.S. forces in Europe below 76,000, allowing dips under that level for no more than 45 days; the Pentagon says roughly 100,000 troops are currently in Europe.
- It requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide Congress with video of September strikes on suspected smuggling boats and freezes a quarter of his travel budget until the footage is delivered.
- The legislation sets a 2026 defense topline of about $901 billion, roughly $8 billion above the Trump administration’s request.
- The package includes roughly $400 million for Ukraine through the Pentagon’s USAI program and requires notification to Congress within 48 hours if U.S. intelligence cooperation with Kyiv is curtailed.