The service works over 3.4 million square miles of Exclusive Economic Zones and defends a coastline longer than the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Sen. Wicker's plan lays out an additional $55 billion above FY25 defense spending caps. In addition to the enlisted pay raise, the bill pushes back against F-35 procurement as lawmakers bash Lockheed Martin over the troubled program. The program, modeled after a similar initiative for Ukraine, includes a $500 million funding request to arm Taiwan and other regional partners. The House passed a bill that would force Biden to halt his hold on a heavy bomb shipment to Israel even as other arms transfers proceed. Ukraine can use the $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing to help grow its own defense industry, potentially via co-production with U.S. companies. The draft bill adheres to congressional spending caps, establishes a talent management office and limits nuclear arsenal reductions. Canada hopes to tap into its vast critical minerals reserves to boost munitions productions while lessening dependence on China. The Pentagon hopes expanding these authorities will allow it to bolster support for Taiwan and the Baltics against China and Russia. The new package includes air defense munitions, missiles, ammunition and armored vehicles. Load More