Washington: The U.S. House version of an annual defense policy bill, passed earlier this month, calls for maintaining about 28,500 American troops in South Korea while reaffirming the United States’ commitment to deter potential threats against its Asian ally.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the House approved its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 with a 231-196 vote on September 10, authorizing a military budget of $893 billion. The text of the endorsed bill, recently released on Congress’ website, outlines the “sense of Congress” that the U.S. defense secretary should continue efforts to reinforce alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative focuses on keeping around 28,500 U.S. service members stationed in South Korea, affirming the U.S.’ “extended deterrence” commitments, and enhancing mutual defense base cooperation.

The concept of extended deterrence involves the U.S.’ promise to utilize the full scope of its military capabilities, including nuclear options, to protect its ally. The policy bill has received renewed interest in South Korea amid ongoing speculation that President Donald Trump’s administration might consider reducing troop numbers in Korea and asking the ally to assume a greater security responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Senate is deliberating its own version of the NDAA. Before the defense bill is finalized, it will undergo a series of congressional procedures aimed at reconciling differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.