House and Senate negotiators have reached a deal on a defence policy bill aimed at avoiding a government shutdown, creating a Space Force, and getting rid of the so-called “widow’s tax” that has been the main goal of military families for years.

A conference version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2020, released late Monday evening, preserves a 3.1% pay raise for the military.

The $738 billion bill, which includes an additional $5.3 billion earmarked for emergency disaster recovery, charts out a three-year “phased repeal” of the policy that requires VA payments to survivors of fallen troops to be deducted from Defense Department survivor payments.

The document mentions Georgia as being a valuable friend to the US which has shown its commitment in the improvement of US-Georgia relations especially with its participation in NATO-led peacekeeping missions.

According to the document, Georgia’s participation in NATO initiative “Partnership for Peace” plays an important role in ensuring a peaceful environment in the region.
Also, the US Congress reiterates US support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.