Congress Approves $900 Billion Defense Bill to Counter China’s Influence and Boost Troop Pay
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a sweeping move to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness, Congress has passed a $900 billion defense authorization bill that significantly targets China through new investment restrictions and bans on Chinese-made military technologies. The legislation, which exceeds the White House’s budget request by $8 billion, also includes a 4% pay raise for enlisted service members, reflecting a commitment to improving conditions for troops nationwide.
The bill reshapes the Pentagon’s approach to the evolving global landscape, particularly focusing on countering Beijing’s expanding influence. It bans a range of Chinese biotechnology products from U.S. military supply chains and tightens controls on investments that could indirectly support Chinese military modernization. This aligns with broader U.S. efforts to safeguard critical technologies and intellectual property from foreign adversaries.
Beyond economic measures, the legislation strengthens the U.S. military posture in the Indo-Pacific by increasing funding for Taiwan’s security cooperation program and expanding diplomatic and intelligence operations aimed at tracking China’s global activities. It also authorizes new investments in missile defense systems, including the Golden Dome shield, and advances nuclear modernization efforts to maintain strategic deterrence.
In addition to its foreign policy and defense provisions, the bill addresses domestic security concerns by extending Pentagon support to law enforcement agencies operating along the southwest border, a move that underscores the ongoing challenges in border security. The legislation also broadens counter-drone authorities, reflecting growing concerns about unmanned aerial threats.
One notable non-defense provision requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose investigations involving presidential and federal candidates, a measure championed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. This provision had sparked internal Republican disputes, particularly between Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., before ultimately being reinstated after high-level discussions.
While the bill covers a broad array of defense priorities, it notably excludes some contentious issues such as coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for military families and prohibitions on a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). The latter has been a point of debate among Republicans concerned about privacy and civil liberties, though it was dropped due to legislative trade-offs.
To address emerging technological challenges, the bill establishes an “Artificial Intelligence Futures Steering Committee” tasked with forecasting long-term implications of advanced AI systems, including artificial general intelligence. This reflects growing recognition of AI’s transformative impact on national security.
The passage of this legislation marks a significant step in the United States’ strategic competition with China. For further details on the defense budget and military pay raise, the Department of Defense provides comprehensive information. The bill’s focus on investment restrictions aligns with policies outlined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Border security support is coordinated with agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, while the FBI’s disclosure requirements are governed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This legislation underscores the multifaceted approach Congress is taking to address both traditional and emerging security challenges.
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