Bipartisan Support, With Caveats
Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, acknowledged the bill’s imperfections but praised its scope and direction.
“While it isn’t perfect,” Reed said in a statement, “it makes a lot of needed improvements that will help boost the country’s economic, industrial and military strength.”
Reed said the measure strengthens the U.S. posture toward China, reinforces backing for NATO and Ukraine, and sustains support for partners worldwide — especially in the Indo-Pacific. He also emphasized that the bipartisan bill pushes back against what he called executive branch retreat from U.S. security commitments, while preserving congressional oversight as threats evolve.
Pay Raises, Policy Shifts
Among the headline provisions is a 3.8% pay increase for military personnel. The bill also extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and repeals the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force in Iraq, laws that underpinned the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Another section bars diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the Defense Department and repeals existing DEI initiatives.
