Biden signs $740B defense policy bill to overhaul sexual assault prosecutions, review Afghan war – By Stephen Losey (Defense News) / December 27, 2021
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Monday signed a $740 billion bill authorizing funding for the Defense Department in fiscal 2022.
The National Defense Authorization Act includes a spending boost for the military, adding $25 billion to what the White House requested. And the bill includes a 2.7% pay raise for troops, changes to how the military prosecutes some sexual misconduct crimes and an independent commission to review the two-decade war in Afghanistan.
This is the 61st year in a row Congress and the president have approved the sweeping defense policy bill. The legislation also includes another $28 billion to fund Energy Department nuclear weapons programs.
“There’s a lot to be proud of in this bill,” Rep. Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement, citing the pay raise, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and climate provisions. “Ultimately, this year’s NDAA focuses on what makes our country strong: our economy, diversity, innovation, allies and partners, democratic values, and our troops.”
