The United States House of Representatives has narrowly passed its version of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA), approving a record $1.15 trillion defence policy bill despite strong opposition from Democrats over its cost, the ongoing war with Iran and expanded military cooperation with Israel.
The legislation passed on Wednesday by a 216-212 vote, largely along party lines. All but seven Republicans supported the measure, while all but six Democrats voted against it.
The bill authorises unprecedented spending on the US military, with Republicans arguing that the funding is necessary to sustain military operations in Iran, modernise defence systems and improve welfare for service members through pay increases of up to seven per cent, as well as investments in military housing and barracks.
Democrats, criticised the measure as excessive at a time when President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are cutting spending on social programmes.
They also opposed continued funding for the conflict with Iran, which the Pentagon said has already cost the United States $37.5 billion, and expressed concern over a provision that would significantly deepen military technology cooperation between Washington and Israel.
The provision drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who argued that expanding defence ties with Israel comes amid growing calls from many Americans to reassess US support because of the humanitarian impact of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The NDAA has historically enjoyed bipartisan support and has been enacted every year for the past 65 years, making it one of the few pieces of legislation consistently approved by Congress.
However, this year’s defence bill faces a more difficult path amid deep political divisions over military spending, the Iran conflict, assistance to Israel and Ukraine, and broader social policy issues, including the treatment of transgender service members.
Its prospects have been further complicated after House Republicans attached the SAVE America Act, a Trump-backed election bill that would tighten voting restrictions, before transmitting the legislation to the Senate.
The move could create additional hurdles, as the Senate currently lacks sufficient support to pass the voting measure.
Last week, Senate Democrats blocked consideration of the Senate’s version of the NDAA, although Republican leaders have pledged to make another attempt before lawmakers leave Washington for the August recess.
Erizia Rubyjeana
