US House Passes $900B Defense Bill for Troop Pay, Weapons Overhaul

• US House passed a $900 billion defense bill, including a 3.8% troop pay raise and an overhaul of weapons purchases.
• The bill reaffirms commitments to Europe and South Korea, requiring minimum troop levels and authorizing $400M for Ukraine weapons.
• It repeals the 2003 Iraq War authorization and permanently removes US sanctions on Syria.
• The legislation cuts $1.6 billion from climate initiatives and $40 million from diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• It demands unedited video of alleged drug boat strikes from the Pentagon and faced criticism for removing IVF coverage for active duty personnel.

Why It Matters: The bill significantly alters US defense spending, troop pay, and foreign policy.