WASHINGTON: The U.S. House of Representatives has approved an annual defense policy bill that mandates maintaining the current level of American military presence in South Korea, underscoring the United States' ongoing commitment to its Asian ally. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the fiscal year 2025, which passed with a vote of 281-140, authorizes $895 billion for national defense programs. According to Yonhap News Agency, the NDAA is a critical legislative measure that sets defense policy and allocates funding priorities for the U.S. military. The bill emphasizes the "sense of Congress" that the U.S. secretary of defense should strengthen the alliance with South Korea. This includes sustaining the presence of 28,500 U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel, improving defense base cooperation, and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to extended deterrence. Extended deterrence is a strategic assurance from the United States to utilize its full spectrum of military capabilities, including nuclear, in defense of its allies. The passage of the NDAA by the House represents a crucial step in the legislative process, with the bill now awaiting approval from the Senate and the president's signature to be enacted.