The United States House of Representatives on Wednesday narrowly approved the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorising a record $1.15 trillion in Pentagon spending as the country’s military campaign against Iran continues.
The bill passed by a slim 216-212 vote, highlighting deep political divisions in Congress under President Donald Trump. It now heads to the Senate for consideration before it can become law.
If enacted, the legislation would provide about $250 billion more than the 2026 defense budget and includes a 5 to 7 percent pay raise for US service members.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill would strengthen America’s military capabilities while improving welfare for troops.
“This legislation provides our brave servicemembers with an overdue pay raise, strengthens our nuclear deterrence and missile defense, including construction of the Golden Dome,” Johnson said.
The proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system is a key initiative of the Trump administration, designed to shield the US mainland from missile attacks and inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome defence network.
Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee said the funding would also help replenish US weapons stockpiles, which have been significantly depleted by the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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However, Democrats strongly opposed the measure. Representative Jerry Nadler criticised the bill, saying he could not support granting Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth $1.15 trillion for what he described as excessive military spending.
“The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy,” Nadler said.
The legislation also sparked controversy after Trump’s proposed SAVE America Act, which seeks to introduce stricter nationwide voting requirements, was attached to the defence bill through a procedural move. Democrats argued that the addition could further complicate the bill’s chances of passing in the Senate.
Another contentious provision of the NDAA calls for expanded military cooperation between the United States and Israel, drawing criticism from some lawmakers amid ongoing regional tensions.
