U.S. Senate approves defense budget bill for 2026 with $500 million for Ukraine

10.10.2025 14:55

Ukrinform

The U.S. Senate on Thursday evening approved its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026, which increases the authorized funding under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) to $500 million.

According to Ukrinform, The Hill reported that the Senate, led by the Republican Party, passed the bill by a vote of 70 to 20. The legislation provides for $924.7 billion in defense funding for fiscal year 2026.

The vote took place after lawmakers reached an agreement to “unblock” the legislation.

The passage of the bill allows the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate to begin the often difficult and lengthy conference process, during which legislators will seek a compromise between the two chambers’ versions of the NDAA to finalize the law. The version adopted by the House provides for a smaller budget — nearly $893 billion.

The NDAA was introduced in the Senate in early September. Voting continued throughout Thursday evening, with senators rejecting more than ten amendments and 50 add-ons before proceeding to a final vote.

Among the adopted amendments was one repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force in Iraq. This measure was also included in the House package.

Another adopted amendment, introduced by Republican Senator Tom Cotton and Democratic Representative Kirsten Gillibrand, grants the Pentagon additional powers to counter drone threats targeting military facilities.

According to The New York Times, the Senate’s version of the bill also extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2028 and increases its authorized funding to $500 million in 2026.

Among the rejected proposals was an amendment by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who sought to block funding for the modernization of a Qatari aircraft that former U.S. President Donald Trump accepted as a replacement for Air Force One.

The House of Representatives and the Senate will now turn to a conference committee to reconcile differences between their respective funding packages. The final version of the NDAA must be approved by both chambers by the end of the year.

As reported by Ukrinform, in July, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee approved $500 million in security assistance for Ukraine as part of the NDAA for fiscal year 2026.

The House of Representatives, in its version, maintained support for Ukraine at $300 million.