Legislation includes troop pay raise, border security measures, and oversight of Pentagon operations; threatens budget cuts if footage withheld.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday with a 20-77 vote, sending the $901 billion defense spending bill to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.

Key Provisions of the NDAA

The bipartisan legislation, spanning over 3,000 pages, includes:

  • A 3.8% troop pay raise.
  • Continued funding for Ukraine, including military aid.
  • Border security measures, granting emergency military powers at the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • Oversight of Pentagon operations, including a demand for video footage of Venezuelan drug boat strikes.

The bill also repeals outdated war authorizations and reforms Pentagon weapons procurement to accelerate military technology development, particularly in competition with China.

Controversy Over Venezuelan Drug Boat Strikes

The NDAA pressures Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release video footage of strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela. If Hegseth fails to comply, Congress may withhold part of his travel budget.

This follows a November 29 Washington Post report alleging that Hegseth ordered troops to “kill everybody” on board and conduct double strikes to eliminate survivors. Six Democratic lawmakers subsequently demanded prosecutions of Hegseth and service members, claiming the strikes were unlawful.

Hegseth denied the allegations at the Reagan National Defense Forum, stating that the Pentagon is reviewing the release of strike footage from September 2. He emphasized the legality and operational necessity of the strikes, which targeted drug trafficking vessels.

Recent Strikes and Executive Actions

On Monday, the U.S. destroyed three Venezuelan drug boats in the Eastern Pacific, following Trump’s executive order designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

On Tuesday, Trump ordered a full blockade of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela.

Bipartisan Support and Opposition

While the bill gained bipartisan support, some Republican lawmakers objected due to continued funding for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and transgender policies in the military.

The White House has indicated that the bill aligns with Trump’s national security priorities, including a shift in focus from Europe to Central and South America.

The NDAA now awaits Trump’s signature to become law.

Original article
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