US President Joe Biden on Friday, December 22, signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides a record $886 billion for defense needs in the 2024 fiscal year.
Source: “European Truth” with reference to message White House
Details: Biden, in a statement, hailed passage of the legislation, which provides “the critical authorities we need to build the Army needed to deter future conflicts while supporting the service members, their spouses and families who carry out this mission every day.”
He simultaneously expressed several reservations to the provisions of the Act, which, in his opinion, limit the ability of the US President to represent the country in the international arena and could lead to the disclosure of confidential information.
Congress finalized the Act on December 14. Its final version does not contain a number of amendments adopted by House Republicans against what they call “leftism” in the Pentagon.
Among other things, the final version of the document does not contain restrictions on the Pentagon’s abortion policy and a ban on the Pentagon funding treatment for gender dysphoria in workers and military personnel.
At the same time, it left in place a provision to continue the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s controversial alien surveillance program until early 2025.
For Ukraine, the bill continues the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative by authorizing $300 million for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 (through September 2025).
Funds to support Ukraine included in the US defense budget are separate from the project for additional funding of $111 billion, stuck in Congress.
2023-12-22 21:40:27
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