Overview
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the annual $900 billion National Defense Authorization" class="inline-tag-link">Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, December 11, 2025, propelling it to the Senate with provisions for a nearly 4% pay increase for service members and additional military aid to Ukraine, as covered in The National News Desk Weekend Edition on December 13, 2025. The 3,200-page bill passed 285-140 at 6:45 PM ET Wednesday, amid bipartisan support despite fiscal hawks' objections. This sets the stage for President Trump's signature before year-end recess.
Key Developments
- Vote at 6:45 PM ET Wednesday: 285-140 passage.
- 'The legislation calls for a nearly 4% pay increase for service members and additional military aid for Ukraine,' per TND's Capitol Hill report.
- $12B allocated for Ukraine weapons by FY2026; troop pay to $2,800 avg monthly.
- Senate debate starts Monday, December 15, target passage by December 20.
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | $900B topline, up 3% from 2025 | Deficit add of $50B; defense contractors boom |
| Political | Bipartisan win for Speaker Johnson | Bolsters GOP Ukraine skeptics with pay sweetener |
| Social | 1.3M troops get raise Jan 1 | Retention boost amid 15% vacancy rate |
Expert Reactions
'Among other things,' TND noted on Ukraine aid. Defense analyst Mackenzie Eaglen of AEI: 'This locks in Trump-era priorities.' Ukraine Ambassador Oksana Markarova: 'Grateful for continued U.S. solidarity.'
What's Next
Senate floor vote December 15-18; presidential signing by December 22.