The United States Senate approved this Thursday (15) a budget of US$ 858 billion (R$ 4.56 trillion) for the defense sector in 2023. The text, which should be sanctioned by President Joe Biden in the coming days , also ends the obligation for members of the American Armed Forces to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
The NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) was approved by 83 votes to 11. Last week, the project had already been approved by the House of Representatives also by a large majority. Now, the project goes to presidential sanction.
The billionaire plan for the defense sector exceeds the value proposed by Biden by US$ 45 billion (R$ 239 billion) and is 10% greater than the amount approved for this year, of US$ 778 billion (R$ 4.13 trillion ).
The project foresees a 4.6% wage adjustment for the troops, funding for the purchase of weapons, ships and military aircraft, in addition to financial and military support for Taiwan, an island classified as a rebel by Beijing, and for Ukraine, a country invaded more than a year ago. nine months in Russia.
“We need to prioritize defense. Simple as that,” said Senator Jim Inhofe, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which backed the bill.
In addition to military spending, the NDAA for 2023 provides for the end of the obligation for members of the American Armed Forces to be vaccinated against Covid-19. The measure, controversial, is claimed by Republicans, but contested by Democrats.
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