US defence act passes in rebuke to Trump administration’s stance on Europe

Financial Times: The US Congress has passed a defence policy bill that mandates the Pentagon retain at least 76,000 troops in Europe, in a rebuke of President Donald Trump’s threats to scale back commitments to the continent.

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The act also comes as the Republican-controlled Congress is trying to flex more of its oversight muscles, especially on matters of national security, after nearly a year of passive support for Trump’s agenda…

The Guardian: The Senate backed the bill by 77 to 20, with strong support from both parties. The House passed the bill last week. In a break with Trump, whose fellow Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate, this year’s NDAA includes several provisions to boost security in Europe, despite Trump early this month releasing a national security strategy seen as friendly to Russia and a reassessment of the US relationship with Europe…