19.12.2025 06:20
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, which includes the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the massive defense budget into law during a closed ceremony at the White House. The defense budget law, amounting to $901 billion, also included the repeal of the Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions on Syria. Thus, with Trump's signature, the sanctions on Syria were officially lifted.
CAESAR ACT IS REPEALED
One of the most notable elements in the 2026 defense budget is the cancellation of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which was enacted in 2019 and imposed sanctions on Syria. A provision added to this year's text means that the Caesar Act will officially be repealed with the enactment of the bill. While the lifting of sanctions is based on certain conditions, the bill stipulates that the U.S. President must submit the first report on the matter to the relevant Congressional committees within 90 days, and then every 180 days for the next four years.
The Caesar Act, which came into force in 2019, was implemented by the U.S. to restrict the economic recovery of Syria under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The repeal of the law will pave the way for foreign investment and aid to return to the country in the context of supporting the new government led by President Ahmed Shara, established in March 2025.
DETAILS ON RUSSIA AND CHINA IN THE DEFENSE BUDGET
One of the notable elements in the defense budget is the inclusion of many provisions aimed at strengthening the U.S. military's competitive elements against Russia and China. Accordingly, the budget foresees approximately $400 million in defense aid to Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. This budget allows for payments to U.S. companies supplying weapons to the Ukrainian army.
Additionally, the bill includes a section that prevents the Pentagon from reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed across Europe to below 76,000.
The NDAA also requires Americans and U.S. companies to notify the Treasury Department of all transactions involving sensitive technologies with China. The defense budget also encompasses the "Biosecurity Act," which prohibits certain Chinese biotechnology companies from receiving federal funding. The proposed law provides $1 billion in defense funding to Taiwan while also foreseeing $1.5 billion in support for the Philippines, one of the U.S.'s key allies in the region.
SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL CONTINUES
The bill includes comprehensive defense support for Israel, including full funding for missile defense programs heavily used by Israel, such as Iron Dome and David's Sling. The text states that the U.S. must continuously assess whether it is capable of meeting Israel's defense production needs. Furthermore, the 2026 defense budget bill repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, which was enacted in 1991 and 2002.