The US Senate is releasing billions for defense and wants to revive aid to Ukraine

US lawmakers unveiled a sweeping defense spending bill authorizing $1.15 trillion in spending, while also proposing an additional $750 million to support Ukraine. The bill also includes a symbolic initiative by several Republicans to rename the Department of Defense the "Department of War."

Presented to the Senate, the bill aims to establish the broad outlines of American military policy for the coming year. While not a formal budget, it frames the Pentagon's strategic priorities as well as future military equipment purchases worth several billion dollars.

Among the provisions in the text, senators are allocating $750 million in aid to Ukraine. This aid comes as debates over US support for Kyiv remain heated in Congress, with some lawmakers calling for continued military support against Russia while others want to reduce Washington's financial commitments.

The project also includes a proposal supported by several Republicans close to the president. Donald Trump aiming to rename the Department of Defense. The institution had been known as the "Department of War" until 1947, before being reorganized and renamed as part of the restructuring of the American military apparatus after World War II.

Those in favor of the change believe the new name would more clearly reflect the institution's primary mission. Critics, however, consider it primarily a symbolic measure with no concrete impact on the country's military capabilities.

Beyond this question of nomenclature, the text constitutes one of the main legislative instruments enabling Congress to define the United States' defense strategy. Its adoption would pave the way for major weapons programs and the continuation of military support for several of Washington's allies, including Ukraine.

The bill must still complete its legislative process before potential final adoption. Upcoming discussions are expected to focus on the level of military spending, aid to Kyiv, and US strategic priorities in an international context marked by several simultaneous crises.