Washington: A Senate defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026 includes a restriction on the use of funds to decrease the number of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops below the existing 28,500, according to its text. This measure comes amid concerns that the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump might pursue a reduction in USFK troop levels. According to Yonhap News Agency, this provision is part of the Senate bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has been posted on Congress's website. It marks the first inclusion of such a ban in five years and emphasizes the "sense of Congress" regarding the reinforcement of the South Korea-U.S. alliance by maintaining the current troop levels. The bill surfaces amidst speculation that the Trump administration may contemplate a USFK reduction and request South Korea to boost its defense spending, as the U.S. focuses on countering China. The NDAA specifies that funds authorized by the Act may not be used to reduce the number of Armed Forces memb ers stationed in South Korea below 28,500 or to finalize the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command from U.S.-led command to Korean-led command. However, the bill allows for potential use of funds if it serves the U.S. national security interest and follows consultations with allies, including South Korea and Japan. The bill underscores the "sense of Congress" that the defense secretary should continue reinforcing alliances in the Indo-Pacific, including the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Previously, similar prohibitions were included in NDAAs from fiscal years 2019-2021 during the Trump administration to prevent unilateral troop cuts, but were later removed as concerns diminished under the Biden administration. This is the first time the bill includes a ban on funding for the completion of the OPCON transfer. The U.S. and South Korea are working on conditions-based OPCON transfer, involving South Korea's capability to lead combined forces, its stri ke and air defense capabilities, and a favorable regional security environment. The OPCON transfer is a key issue, as it was a campaign pledge of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Earlier this week, the House Armed Services Committee passed its version of the NDAA, also advocating for the maintenance of the current USFK troop level. The defense bill will undergo further congressional procedures, including legislative deliberations and reconciliation between the House and Senate versions.