WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved a record $1.15 trillion defence policy bill, authorising the largest Pentagon budget in US history as the war with Iran continues.
The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the Republican-controlled House by 216 votes to 212 on Wednesday, reflecting deep political divisions under President Donald Trump.
The legislation must still be approved by the Senate before it can become law.
The bill authorises around $250 billion more than the 2026 defence budget and includes a 5% to 7% pay rise for US service members.
Funding Priorities
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the legislation would strengthen US national security while improving support for military personnel.
“This legislation provides our brave servicemembers with an overdue pay raise, strengthens our nuclear deterrence and missile defence — including construction of the Golden Dome,” Johnson said.
The proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system is one of Trump’s flagship defence initiatives and is modelled on Israel’s Iron Dome system to protect the US mainland from missile attacks.
House Armed Services Committee Republicans said the legislation would also help replenish “depleted stockpiles” as the United States continues to expend large quantities of munitions in its war against Iran.
Democratic Opposition
The bill faced strong opposition from Democrats, who criticised both its cost and the administration’s military policies.
Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler said he could not support giving Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth “$1.15 TRILLION for their out-of-control military spending and irresponsible actions.”
“The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy,” he said.
The legislation also became more contentious after Trump’s proposed “SAVE America Act”, which would introduce new nationwide voting restrictions, was attached to the defence bill through a procedural move. Democrats argued the addition could further complicate its prospects in the Senate.
Another provision calling for expanded military cooperation between the United States and Israel has also drawn criticism in recent weeks.
