The Senate Armed Services Committee, building from new funding provided by the “Big, Beautiful Bill” signed into law last week, announced major changes to America’s military in a statement Friday.
The committee listed its proposals for the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which are aimed at maintaining American military might around the world and strengthening the manufacturing base.
Assisting Foreign Partners
The Senate bill would prohibit “the reduction in U.S. military force posture in Europe” until “Secretary of Defense [Pete Hegseth] assesses the impact on U.S. and NATO interests and certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.”
Furthermore, the bill requires the secretary of defense to continue providing “intelligence support” to Ukraine and extends and increases security assistance to the Eastern European nation.
Similarly, the bill directs the U.S. military to continue supporting Israel in its air defense and mandates assistance to allies in the Middle East against the Islamic State.
Border Security
Beyond providing assistance to partners abroad, the bill also allocates military resources toward securing America’s southern border with Mexico.
Specifically, it “directs [the Pentagon] to evaluate and, if necessary, improve communication between the U.S. military and the Mexican military during border-related [Defense Department] support to the Department of Homeland Security.”
Additionally, it promotes cooperation between Mexico and the United States by setting up “a joint counter-transnational criminal organization training program” to share best practices on countering the drug trade.
Benefits for the Troops
The appropriations bill provides a number of new incentives for recruits, such as “a 3.8% pay raise for military members.”
It also will boost service members’ educational opportunities with “an education campaign for service members and families on military compensation.”
Transparency
The committee directs military departments to provide information on how exactly they spend the funds allocated to them.
It requires updates from the secretary of defense on progress toward an audit by a 2028 deadline, and also “requires an annual report on any canceled contracts.”
Expanding the Manufacturing Base
The Senate’s proposals would build off the “big, beautiful” budget reconciliation bill’s funding for a “Golden Dome” missile-defense system by authorizing the “procurement of the Iron Dome short-range rocket-defense system, David’s Sling weapon system, and Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program.”
Additionally, it authorizes the procurement and building of more ships, submarines, and aircraft.
