SEOUL, July 18 (AJP) - A newly passed United States Senate defense bill signals congressional intent to maintain current American troop levels in South Korea amid renewed debate over the future of U.S. military commitments abroad.
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), approved last week by the Senate Armed Services Committee, includes language that blocks any reduction in the U.S. military presence on the Korean Peninsula or transfer of wartime operational control without formal certification from the Secretary of Defense. According to a summary released by the committee, such changes would require confirmation that the move is in the national interest.
The bill also mandates that top military officials—including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commander of Indo-Pacific Command, and the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea—complete an independent risk assessment before any adjustments can move forward.
This provision mirrors a restriction introduced during former President Donald Trump’s administration, which was later removed under President Joe Biden. Its return comes as speculation grows that a second Trump term could revisit efforts to scale back U.S. troop deployments overseas.
The NDAA, passed annually, serves as a blueprint for U.S. defense policy and spending. The final version will be negotiated between the Senate and House before being sent to the president for approval.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
![[K-Tech] Low birthrate forces military pivot toward drones, automation](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2025/07/17/20250717150357642333_278_163.jpg)
View more comments