"The final version of the 2019 defense bill offers harsh words for Russia and China, keeping in place restrictions that prevent the US military from cooperating with Moscow."
"The final version of the 2019 defense bill offers harsh words for Russia and China, keeping in place restrictions that prevent the US military from cooperating with Moscow."
Prohibits Military-to-Military Cooperation with Russia: The "bill 'prohibits military-to-military cooperation with Russia,' according to a summary of the legislationreleased by Republican Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. That prohibition was also contained in previous years' versions of the bill but comes as Moscow has floated increased cooperation following President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki…
Low Yeild Nuclear Warhead "Aimed at Deterring Russia": "The report… also funds the Trump administration's plan to develop a lower-yield ballistic missile warhead aimed at deterring Russia…"
Supports America's Allies in Europe: "supports Trump's request for $250 million for lethal defensive aid to Ukraine and $6.3 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative 'to further increase number of US troops in Europe, reassure US partners and allies, and deter Russian aggression.'"
Allies and Partners Can "Build a Closer Security Relationship with the US": "The compromise bill will also grant the Trump administration the authority to waive sanctions in the 2017 Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act… Mattis said this waiver authority would allow countries 'to build a closer security relationship with the US as they continue to transition from reliance on Russian military equipment' and that failing to do risked leaving these nations with 'no other option than to turn to Russia, thereby undermining a once in a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the US vision for global security and stability.'"
Takes A Tough Line on China: "The compromise defense bill also takes a tough line on China, calling for a government strategy aimed at countering Beijing's activities in a variety of spheres and for bolstering America's military partnerships with countries in the region, including Taiwan. It 'prohibits any US government agency from using risky technology produced by Huawei or ZTE, two companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party's intelligence apparatus. The NDAA also prohibits any entity doing business with the US Government from using Huawei or ZTE technology', according to the summary."
