Washington. December 8th. INTERFAX - American congressmen have included in the draft of the US defense budget for 2022 approved by the House of Representatives provisions providing for counteraction to Russia and China, the world media noted in comments.
They note that the draft document includes $300 million to help ensure the security of Ukraine, in particular, to support the Ukrainian armed forces. Another $4 billion is provided for the European Defense Initiative and $150 million for the development of cooperation with the Baltic states in the field of security.
As for China, the bill authorizes the allocation of $7.1 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and support for Taiwan's defense, as well as a ban on purchases of Chinese Xinjiang products.
At the same time, the comments note that the draft budget did not include provisions concerning sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, as well as an amendment prohibiting Americans from buying Russian sovereign debt.
The bill addresses a wide range of issues of concern to lawmakers, including the unsuccessful withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. It provides for the creation of an independent commission to study the 20-year-old activities of the United States in Afghanistan, according to media reports.
Now this bill must be approved by the Senate, and then signed by the president.
