US House passes annual defense bill maintaining current USFK troop levels

SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a defense bill that includes a provision prohibiting a unilateral reduction of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is passed annually by Congress to set defense policy, allocate funding priorities, and provide guidance on key security matters, was approved in a decisive 312-112 vote.

The bill, which allocates a record US$901 billion in defense and security for the upcoming fiscal year, will take effect from October this year through September next year, once President Donald Trump signs it following the Senate's approval.

It includes a clause preventing the use of defense funds to reduce U.S. troop levels in South Korea below the current 28,500 U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel without congressional approval.

The bill also restricts the use of funds for any amendments to the agreed transfer of wartime operational control between the two allies, though changes or objections can be raised within 60 days, provided they align with the interests of both countries.

* This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.