Prime Minister Najib Mikati told the Paris conference on Lebanon that the arms monopoly must be returned to the Lebanese state and army…
The US Congress yesterday approved the defence budget (NDAA), which provides for annual expenditures of a record amount of 886 billion dollars.
At the same time, it approves the continuation of policies such as providing military aid to Ukraine and extending a controversial digital surveillance program widely used by intelligence agencies.
The bill, which provides for a 3% increase in defence spending, was approved Wednesday by the Senate and yesterday by the House of Representatives by a vote of 310 to 118.
Among other things, the NDAA provides for the investment of several billion dollars to “strengthen the position” of the US in the Asia-Pacific region to counter China’s influence.
The military aid program to Ukraine is also being extended, with the gradual release of $300 million to Kiyv. This amount, however, is far less than the $61 billion that the Presidents of the US and Ukraine requested from Congress.
The NDAA extends for four months the FISA electronic surveillance program, which was going to expire soon to give lawmakers time to either reform or keep it.
The program, which has been criticized by privacy and liberties groups, allows US security agencies to monitor non-US citizens abroad – even their emails – without seeking a warrant.
A high-ranking official of the White House had requested its extension on Sunday, considering that because of everything happening in Israel and Ukraine, the threat of China, the developments in their strategically important infrastructures, and the cyber attacks, unilateral disarmament would be wrong.
The budget also increases the salaries of military personnel by 5.2%.
Measures proposed by the Republicans, which called for restricting military access to abortion services and not flying the LGBTQ flag on US bases, were not approved.
The 3,100-page bill will now be sent to the White House to be signed by President Joe Biden.
Source: CNN Greece
Also read: USA | Henry Kissinger has passed away
READ MORE
Russia | Ratification of the strategic partnership treaty with North Korea
The treaty for the overall strategic partnership with North Korea was voted unanimously by the Russian parliamentarians.
Iran – Saudi Arabia | They are planning the first joint military exercises in the Red Sea
Tehran and Riyadh plan to hold joint military exercises in the Red Sea, according to the Times of Israel. The two traditional Middle…
Lebanon | The arms monopoly must be returned to the state, says Mikati
Prime Minister Najib Mikati told the Paris conference on Lebanon that the arms monopoly must be returned to the Lebanese state and army…
Russia | Ratification of the strategic partnership treaty with North Korea
The treaty for the overall strategic partnership with North Korea was voted unanimously by the Russian parliamentarians.
Iran – Saudi Arabia | They are planning the first joint military exercises in the Red Sea
Tehran and Riyadh plan to hold joint military exercises in the Red Sea, according to the Times of Israel. The two traditional Middle…
USA – Republic of Cyprus | Today the first strategic dialogue
The first Strategic Dialogue between the Republic of Cyprus and the USA is taking place today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in Nicosia.
Poland – Russia | Diplomatic crisis – Russian consulate in Poznań closes
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski accused Russia of hybrid warfare and acts of sabotage and announced…
Green light from the EU for the 35 billion euro loan to Ukraine
The European Parliament today gave the “green light” to the €35 billion macro-financial assistance loan to Ukraine, which will…