US Congress ok’s sending billions in military aid to Ukraine, Taiwan

• US lawmakers have agreed to provide at least $800 million to Ukraine in additional security assistance next year, as well as provide billions in aid over the next several years to Taiwan
• An increase of $500 million over President Joe Biden’s earlier request, as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, has been authorized under the Fiscal 2023 NDAA
• The bill also provides an additional $11.5 billion in new investments under the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and authorizes the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act of 2022

WASHINGTON D.C.: US lawmakers have agreed to provide at least $800 million to Ukraine in additional security assistance next year, as well as provide billions in aid over the next several years to Taiwan.

An increase of $500 million over President Joe Biden’s earlier request, as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, has been authorized under the Fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The bill also provides an additional $11.5 billion in new investments under the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and authorizes the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act of 2022.

The compromise version of the NDAA is the result of months of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives.

As congressional negotiators discussed the effects of global inflation and whether to provide Ukraine with additional security assistance, the overall bill authorizes $45 billion more in defense spending than requested by Biden.

Passed every year since 1961, the NDAA is a must-pass legislation used by lawmakers as a vehicle for various initiatives.

The NDAA for the 2023 fiscal year includes a provision demanded by many Republican members in Congress requiring the Secretary of Defense to end a mandate requiring armed forces members be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The bill also includes $2.7 billion to boost munitions production capacity, while temporarily waiving some restrictions on munitions contracts to support Ukraine.

The fiscal 2023 NDAA is expected to pass the Senate and House of Representatives this month, and will be sent to the White House for Biden to sign into law.