Biden signs record-breaking $886 bln Pentagon budget, Ukraine included
Photo: Joe Biden, President of U.S. (Getty Images)
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has signed a bill on annual defense spending, which allocates a record-breaking amount of $886 billion for the Pentagon. The bill also includes provisions for assistance to Ukraine, according to the White House press service.
This defense policy bill was passed by Congress last week.
The legislation provides for $886 billion in annual military expenditures and sanctions, among other things, the continuation of assistance to Ukraine, including the allocation of $800 million, and the containment of China in the Indo-Pacific region, with an allocated budget of $11.5 billion.
"Today, I have signed into law H.R. 2670, the “National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024” (the “Act”). The Act authorizes fiscal year appropriations principally for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy national security programs, Department of State, and the Intelligence Community. ," the statement says.
Biden also stated that the law grants critically important authorities necessary for building an army required " to deter future conflicts, while supporting service members and their spouses and families who carry out that mission every day."
"My Administration looks forward to working with the Congress on the reauthorization of this vital national security authority as soon as possible in the new year. While I am pleased to support the critical objectives of the NDAA, I note that certain provisions of the Act raise concerns," added the American president.
Background
On December 14th, the U.S. Senate supported a bill on defense policy, allocating a record-breaking $886 billion for annual military expenditures. The Biden administration's proposal for $61 billion in aid to Ukraine is expected to be considered separately.
The bill received strong support from both Democrats and Republicans, transcending party differences on social issues.
This legislation extends one of the aid measures to Ukraine, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, until the end of 2026. It allows for the allocation of $300 million to the program in the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2024, and the following year.
It is worth noting that earlier, President Biden had requested Congress to approve $61 billion in aid to Ukraine. This request for emergency spending stalled in Congress as Republicans refused to approve aid to Ukraine until Democrats agreed to significant enhancements to immigration legislation.
On December 14th, the corresponding bill was sent to President Biden for his signature.
