US House of Representatives approves $840 billion of defence budget for next fiscal year

United States House of Representatives has approved nation's $840 billion defence budget for next fiscal year, which begins on October 1, 2023. During a live brocast on lower chamber’s official website, 329 congressmen backed bill, while 101 opposed it. This will increase Pentagon budget by $37 billion with a focus on providing funds to Ukraine's military, competing with China and dress  issues of Afghanistan military withdrawal.

Furrmore, Senate is expected to pass its own version of legislation, which is different from one House of Representatives of US Congress h initially suggested, as per TASS. A commission will n get toger to combine two versions. Before being sent to US President Joe Biden for signature, document must receive approval from both chambers. As per report, it can take many months to complete. 

US House of Representatives approved law that loosened criteria for defence equipment lend-lease agreements with Ukraine

Meanwhile, previously in month of April, US House of Representatives approved legislation that loosened criteria for defence equipment lend-lease agreements with war-torn Ukraine and or countries in Eastern Europe, paving path for more US weapons to enter region. According to media reports, by a vote of 417 to 10, House approved bill, sending it to US President Joe Biden for signing. Senate overwhelmingly approved measure in April, according to ANI. 

Amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, a formal summary of legislation stated, “This bill temporarily waives certain requirements related to President's authority to lend or lease defense articles if defense articles are intended for Ukraine's government or governments of or Eastern European countries affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine". 

Moreover, summary ded that an agreement to lend or lease defence products under this law is excluded from several laws and regulations that typically apply to such lend-lease arrangements, like necessity that a loan or lease tenure does t exceed five years, during fiscal years 2022 and 2023. ditionally, it states that President must create quick procedures to ensure timely delivery of any military equipment leased or borrowed by Ukraine as a result of this measure. 

Furr, it is worth mentioning that lend-lease agreements are also similar to well-kwn Second World War strategy of former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt of providing allied countries, including Soviet Union, with munitions and or goods. According to an ANI report, action was interpreted as heralding end of American neutrality in conflict and a chance to open support for allies. 

(Im: AP)