Washington: The U.S. House of Representatives has approved an annual defense policy bill that includes a specific measure to restrict the unilateral reduction of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). The legislation was passed with a 312-112 vote, moving it to the Senate where it is expected to receive bipartisan support.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the upcoming fiscal year, spanning from October this year to September next year, will become law once it receives approval from the Senate and is signed by President Donald Trump. The act stipulates that funds authorized under the bill may not be used to reduce U.S. troop levels in South Korea unless there is certification that such a reduction aligns with U.S. national security interests and follows consultations with allies, including South Korea.

Additionally, the bill states that without this certification, funds cannot be used to complete the transition of wartime operational control from the United States to South Korea in a manner that diverges from existing bilateral agreements. This measure to limit the USFK troop drawdown appears in the bill for the first time in five years, having been included during the first Trump administration to prevent unilateral troop reductions.

The NDAA authorizes $901 billion in military spending for the coming fiscal year. Congress passes this bill annually to establish defense policy, prioritize funding, and provide guidance on significant security matters.