U.S. lawmakers authorize $800 million more for Ukraine in defense bill

FILE PHOTO: A Ukrainian serviceman walks near a tank in Bakhmut, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Donetsk region, Ukraine December 5, 2022. REUTERS/Yevhen Titov

U.S. lawmakers agreed to provide Ukraine at least $800 million in additional security assistance next year and to boost Taiwan with billions in aid over the next several years, according to an $858 billion defense policy bill unveiled on Tuesday.

The Fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, authorizes the additional spending for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, an increase of $500 million over President Joe Biden's request earlier this year.