The United States House of Representatives has narrowly approved a defence policy bill that would authorise a record $1.15 trillion in Pentagon spending, as the country’s military campaign against Iran continues.
The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the House on Wednesday by a slim 216-212 vote, highlighting deep political divisions in Congress despite the legislation’s long history of bipartisan backing.
The measure, which still requires Senate approval, proposes roughly $250 billion more in defence spending than last year’s NDAA. It also includes a pay increase of between five and seven per cent for US service members.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the legislation would strengthen America’s armed forces while providing long-overdue benefits for military personnel.
“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 “Golden Dome” missile defence system is one of President Donald Trump’s flagship security initiatives. The project is intended to shield the US mainland from missile attacks and is modelled after Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system.
Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee said the funding would also help replenish military stockpiles that have been significantly reduced during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Democrats, however, strongly opposed the measure.
Representative Jerry Nadler criticised the bill, saying he could not support giving President Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth what he described as “out-of-control military spending.”
“The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy,” Nadler said.
The legislation also became more controversial after Republican lawmakers attached Trump’s proposed “SAVE America Act” through a procedural move.
The voting measure would introduce new nationwide election restrictions, drawing fierce opposition from Democrats and creating fresh hurdles for the bill in the Senate.
Lawmakers have also clashed over another provision in the NDAA that seeks to expand military cooperation between the United States and Israel, adding to the growing debate surrounding the legislation.
