Biden to Sign $886 Billion Defense Policy Bill Passed by Congress into Law

On Thursday, more than two-thirds of the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of a defense policy bill. This bill governs a record $886 billion in annual military spending and authorizes policies such as aid for Ukraine and push back against China in the Indo-Pacific.

The National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, was backed by the House with a vote of 310 to 118, receiving strong support from both Republicans and Democrats. This was more than the two-thirds majority required to pass the measure and send it to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law.

Separate from the appropriations bills that set government spending levels, the NDAA authorizes everything from pay raises for troops (this year’s will be 5.2%) to purchases of ships, ammunition, and aircraft.

Because it is one of the few major pieces of legislation that becomes law every year, members of Congress use it as a vehicle for a wide range of initiatives. It is also closely watched by major defense companies, such as Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp, and other firms that receive Department of Defense contracts.

This year’s bill is nearly 3,100 pages long and authorizes a record $886 billion, which is up 3% from last year.