Congress Debates Defense Bill Amid Global Tensions

Congress has unveiled a $900 billion defense bill aimed at reshaping U.S. military and economic competition with China. According to Fox News, the legislation imposes new investment restrictions, bans a range of Chinese-made technologies from Pentagon supply chains, and expands diplomatic efforts to track China's global activities.

Key provisions include an $8 billion increase over the White House's request, a 4% pay raise for enlisted service members, and investments in missile defense programs. The bill also establishes a new investment screening system for U.S. companies dealing with high-risk technologies in China, as well as procurement bans relevant to biotechnology firms linked to the Chinese military.

The legislation seeks to enhance the U.S. posture in the Indo-Pacific and includes provisions for Ukraine, such as reauthorizing the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative at $400 million per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Furthermore, it repeals outdated war authorizations from the 1991 Gulf War and the 2002 Iraq War, while maintaining the post-9/11 counter-terrorism authority. The House aims to consider the bill as soon as this week after it passes through the House Rules Committee, as reported by Fox News.