Washington, 18 December 2024 (dpa/MIA) – The US Congress has approved the 2025 defence budget of around $895 billion after weeks of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.

The Senate approved the budget on Wednesday, following the approval by the House of Representatives last week. US President Joe Biden still has to sign the bill for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to officially come into force.

Alongside pay increases for military personnel and other defence spending, the adopted bill includes restrictions on medical care for transgender people serving in the military.

In addition, the Pentagon's funding for programmes that promote diversity and equality is to be limited.

Some Democrats opposed the provisions proposed by the Republicans, leading to considerable tension.

The defence budget is one of the largest single items in the US budget, despite the criticism of high national defence spending by progressive and conservative forces.

Critics complain that other areas such as education or health care should be given more support instead, while proponents argue that the high defence expenditure is necessary for the country's national security interests.

MIA file photo