U.S. House Approves 2025 NDAA with $895 Billion Budget, Cuts Ukraine Lend-Lease, Calls for Intelligence Assessment

Dec 12, 2024, 08:44 AM

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which notably excludes a provision for extending the lend-lease program for Ukraine, as confirmed by Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova. The defense budget for 2025 is set at a record $895 billion. Lawmakers are now calling for an intelligence assessment to evaluate the implications of ceasing military support for Ukraine, particularly focusing on the potential emboldening of adversarial nations such as China, Iran, and North Korea should Ukraine face defeat. The intelligence report is expected to analyze the broader consequences for U.S. national security and global stability if assistance to Ukraine is terminated.