Washington’s House of Representatives has approved a sweeping defence policy bill that includes measures aimed at reinforcing Europe’s security and shoring up transatlantic defence commitments. The legislation, part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act for the 2026 fiscal year, passed with strong bipartisan backing and now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to advance before being sent to the White House. The bill authorises close to $900 billion in defence spending and reflects renewed congressional focus on Europe at a time of continued instability linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Lawmakers framed the package as a signal that Congress intends to maintain a strong United States role in European security, even as debates continue in Washington about the scope and cost of overseas commitments. A central feature of the legislation is its attempt to lock in the United States military presence in Europe. The bill would restrict the Pentagon from reducing troop levels on the continent below roughly 76,000 unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such a move would not undermine American or NATO interests. It also places limits on changes to senior command arrangements tied to the alliance, reinforcing congressional oversight. Support for Ukraine features prominently. The bill extends funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, providing hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two years to help Kyiv procure military equipment and sustain its defence effort. While broader questions about long term US support remain politically sensitive, the House vote shows continued backing for assistance programmes tied to Ukraine’s security. The legislation also boosts support for NATO’s eastern flank. Funding is authorised for the Baltic Security Initiative, aimed at strengthening deterrence and defence capabilities in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. These measures are designed to reassure frontline allies who see US engagement as critical to preventing further Russian aggression in the region. The House vote came against the backdrop of unease in Europe over recent signals from Washington about future security priorities. Some European officials have voiced concern that shifts in US strategy could weaken NATO cohesion. Lawmakers backing the bill said its provisions were intended to send a clear message that Congress remains committed to the alliance and to collective defence. Beyond Europe, the defence bill addresses a wide range of military priorities. It includes provisions on pay rises for US service members, procurement reforms and investments in modernising the armed forces. It also touches on challenges posed by other global competitors, particularly China, reflecting the Pentagon’s need to balance multiple theatres at once. The annual defence authorisation bill has historically passed Congress even during periods of sharp political division, and this year proved no exception. Lawmakers from both parties emphasised the importance of providing clarity and stability for defence planning, especially as geopolitical tensions remain high. The Senate is expected to take up the bill in the coming weeks. If approved largely intact, it would mark a significant congressional intervention in shaping US defence posture towards Europe. For allies watching closely, the House vote offers reassurance that, whatever debates unfold in Washington, legislative support for Europe’s defence remains firmly in place....