US lawmakers are set to vote Wednesday on a sweeping annual defense bill bolstering European security, in a direct rebuke of President Donald Trump's threats to walk away from the continent and his statements casting doubt on NATO's future.

The House vote comes on the heels of the publication of a national security strategy that amounted to an all-out attack on Europe —- rattling allied capitals and widening the biggest transatlantic rift in years.

By contrast, the huge bill being considered in Congress, which would authorize nearly a trillion dollars in defense spending, has drawn attention for its pro-Europe orientation and strict limits designed to prevent Trump from reducing troop numbers, moving equipment or downgrading NATO-linked missions.

"This legislation includes important Hou

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