Joe Biden signs US$770 billion defence bill into law
- The 2022 National Defence Authorisation Act is a compromise result that was earlier stalled by disputes between US lawmakers over China and Russia policy
- In includes funds to deter Beijing in the Pacific, a statement of support for Taiwan, and aid for Ukraine’s armed forces
Earlier this month, the Senate and the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for the defence bill with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans for the annual legislation setting policy for the Department of Defence.
“The Act provides vital benefits and enhances access to justice for military personnel and their families, and includes critical authorities to support our country’s national defence,” Biden said in a statement after signing the bill into law.
The NDAA is closely watched by a broad swathe of industry and other interests because it is one of the only major pieces of legislation that becomes law every year and because it addresses a wide range of issues. The NDAA has become law every year for six decades.
Authorising about 5 per cent more military spending than last year, the financial 2022 NDAA is a compromise after intense negotiations between House and Senate Democrats and Republicans after being stalled by disputes over China and Russia policy.
It includes a 2.7 per cent pay increase for the troops, and more aircraft and Navy ship purchases, in addition to strategies for dealing with geopolitical threats, especially Russia and China.