US Congress Approves $901 Billion Defense Budget, Boosting Troop Pay and Countering Global Threats – 12/18/2025, 8:28:35 PM

US Congress passes $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2026. The Senate approved it 77-20 on December 17, authorizing record military spending, a 4% troop pay raise, equipment purchases, and efforts to counter China and Russia; the House passed it last week, and President Trump plans to sign it.[1]

White House adds critical plaques to photos of Trump’s predecessors on its “Presidential Walk of Fame.” New plaques target Democrats like Joe Biden, labeled “Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American history,” diverging from traditions of White House unity.[1]

US pressures EU against using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine aid. Ukraine’s Zelenskyy visits Brussels on December 18 to push for €90 billion in loans from these assets (to be repaid via Russian reparations), but a Ukrainian official says Washington opposes the plan.[1]

Russia-Ukraine war escalates amid stalled peace talks. Putin warns of extending gains if talks fail and plans another year of war per Zelenskyy; a Russian drone attack killed at least 1 and injured 24; Turkey urges Black Sea caution after downing a drone; Western officials report 145 Russian sabotage incidents in Europe since 2022.[1][2]

Trump announces “complete blockade” of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. The move ramps up pressure on Maduro’s government after a US seizure last week; Venezuela vows to continue oil trade.[2]

Brazil Senate passes bill potentially reducing Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence. The legislation could shorten the former president’s prison term.[2]

South Korea’s Constitutional Court removes police chief over martial law role. The impeached official was formally ousted.[2]

Hydrogen contributes to global warming by prolonging methane in atmosphere. A Nature study on December 17 shows it indirectly boosts temperatures, challenging its clean energy hype.[1]

Other notable developments:
– UK arrests pro-Palestinian protesters in London for “intifada” calls amid stricter hate speech enforcement.[2]
– Indonesia sentences Australian to 12 years for cocaine smuggling to Bali.[2]
– Burkina Faso releases 11 detained Nigerian air force crew after emergency landing.[2]
– Thailand launches global initiative against Southeast Asia-based online scams.[2]
– Mourners grieve 10-year-old killed in Sydney’s Bondi Beach antisemitic shooting; suspect faces 59 charges.[2]
– UK gives Abramovich final chance to donate Chelsea sale proceeds (£2.5 billion) to Ukraine victims.[2]