Latest Defense Bill

Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act. It establishes defense policy for the coming year, but does not actually appropriate funds which will be a separate “funding” measure.

Highlights:

• $717 Billion budget
• Bipartisan support in Congress. Majority of Democrats incl. Schumer voted for it. Notable “Nay” votes in Senate: Sanders (I), Warren (D), Rubio (R)
• ZTE sanctions removed and replaced with a ban on US government procurement.
• Military personnel get a raise
• Lockheed’s export of F-35’s to Turkey on-hold / under-review, due to purchase of Russian S-400’s

Links:

• CommonDeams.org
• Reuters
• TheHill

Advertisement