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House Approves Defense Bill to Increase Troop Pay and Reform Weapons Procurement

House Approves Defense Bill to Increase Troop Pay and Reform Weapons Procurement

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive defense policy bill authorizing $900 billion in military programs. This legislation includes a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel and significant changes to the Department of Defense's weapons procurement process. The bill, which passed with a 312-112 vote, reflects ongoing tensions between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Trump's administration regarding military management. While the White House has expressed strong support for the bill, it includes measures that challenge the Department of Defense, such as demands for more transparency on military actions in the Caribbean and support for European allies like Ukraine. The bill also addresses climate and diversity initiatives, cutting $1.6 billion in climate-related spending and eliminating certain diversity programs.

House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

The House is headed toward a final vote on a sweeping defense bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs

House passes defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

House passes defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

The House votes to pass a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs

House to Vote on $900 Billion Defense Bill Requiring Release of Boat Strike Videos

House to Vote on $900 Billion Defense Bill Requiring Release of Boat Strike Videos

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a $900 billion defense bill that includes provisions for increased military pay, reduced Pentagon diversity efforts, and the release of videos showing U.S. forces targeting alleged drug boats. This National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a bipartisan effort that outlines the nation's defense policies. The bill comes amid scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over military actions off Venezuela's coast. Lawmakers are demanding the Pentagon release unedited footage of these strikes, threatening to withhold part of Hegseth's travel budget if the videos are not provided. The bill also mandates the Pentagon to disclose the orders behind each attack, as some legal experts and Democrats argue that a recent strike violated the laws of war.

What to know about the massive defense bill that seeks release of boat strike videos and more

What to know about the massive defense bill that seeks release of boat strike videos and more

The House is expected to vote this week on a bill authorizing $900 billion for military programs

House Approves $900 Billion Defense Bill Amid Republican Dissent

House Approves $900 Billion Defense Bill Amid Republican Dissent

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a vote of 312-112, authorizing $900 billion in Pentagon programs. This comprehensive defense policy bill includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for service members and changes to military procurement processes. Despite its passage, the bill faced opposition from 18 Republicans and 94 Democrats. The NDAA, traditionally supported by both parties, aligns with President Trump's national security priorities but also introduces provisions that challenge the Defense Department. These include requirements for additional information on boat strikes in the Caribbean and expanded support for European allies such as Ukraine. The bill reflects a compromise, with Republicans achieving cuts to climate and diversity initiatives, while Democrats secured expanded congressional oversight and the repeal of outdated war authorizations.

Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Military Strike Video Release

Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Military Strike Video Release

President Trump has delegated the decision to release a video of a controversial military strike to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The strike, which occurred off the coast of Venezuela, targeted a boat suspected of drug smuggling. The operation, conducted by elite Special Operations forces, resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, with a secondary strike occurring after two survivors were identified. This incident has raised significant questions among Democrats and legal experts regarding the legality of the actions taken, with some suggesting it may constitute a war crime. Despite President Trump's initial openness to releasing the footage, he has now stated that the decision rests with Hegseth. The Defense Secretary has expressed a desire to protect future operations and has not committed to releasing the video. Lawmakers have demanded the release of all related footage, and there is pressure to withhold part of Hegseth's travel budget if the video remains unreleased.

President Trump Faces Pressure Over Release of Controversial Boat Strikes Video

President Trump Faces Pressure Over Release of Controversial Boat Strikes Video

President Trump and his administration are under scrutiny for their handling of a video related to a controversial military strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The incident, which occurred in September, involved a second strike that killed survivors, raising questions about the legality of the action. Initially, President Trump promised transparency and the release of the full video. However, subsequent actions by the administration suggest a reluctance to fulfill this promise. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cited the need to protect sensitive military information, while President Trump has backtracked on his initial commitment. The situation has drawn comparisons to the administration's previous handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, where similar promises of transparency were made but not fully realized.

Retiring Navy Admiral Briefs Congress on Controversial Boat Strikes Near Venezuela

Retiring Navy Admiral Briefs Congress on Controversial Boat Strikes Near Venezuela

The U.S. Navy admiral, Alvin Holsey, who is set to retire from his command at the U.S. Southern Command, briefed key lawmakers about the controversial boat strikes near Venezuela. These strikes, part of President Trump's campaign against drug smuggling, have resulted in the destruction of 22 boats and the deaths of at least 87 people since September. The briefing, conducted via a classified video call, involved the Senate Armed Services Committee's GOP chair and ranking Democrat. Lawmakers are demanding more transparency from the Department of Defense, particularly concerning a September strike that reportedly killed two survivors. The Pentagon is being pressed to release unedited videos and the orders authorizing these attacks. The campaign has sparked debate over its legality and effectiveness, with some lawmakers questioning the intelligence used to justify the strikes.

US Congress considers 'must-pass' defense policy bill that would top Trump’s spending request

US Congress considers 'must-pass' defense policy bill that would top Trump’s spending request

By Patricia Zengerle and Julia Harte WASHINGTON, Dec 6 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers on Sunday unveiled an annual defense policy bill authorizing a record $901 billion in national security spending next year, billions more than President Donald Trump's request, and provides $400 million in military

US lawmakers may withold Hegseth travel funds to force boat video release

US lawmakers may withold Hegseth travel funds to force boat video release

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers may withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget if he does not provide unedited videos of military strikes on boats in the southern Caribbean and eastern Pacific, the latest effort to obtain more information

Congress Pushes for Release of Military Video in Drug Boat Strike

Congress Pushes for Release of Military Video in Drug Boat Strike

U.S. lawmakers are advancing legislation to compel Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release an unedited military video of a September 2 strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The strike resulted in the deaths of 11 people, and there are allegations that it may have violated international law. The proposed legislation includes a provision to cut Hegseth's travel budget by 25% if the video is not released. The House is expected to vote on the bill soon, with the Senate to follow by the end of the month.