The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), moving the defense spending package forward despite significant partisan disagreements over military policy, election laws, and U.S. Middle East engagements. The bill, which passed by a narrow margin of 216-212, now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
This legislation includes provisions for 5% to 7% pay raises for military personnel and authorizes substantial investments aimed at strengthening the U.S. armed forces. Republican leaders argue that the bill is critical for modernizing the military and bolstering national defense capabilities. Conversely, most Democrats have opposed the measure, criticizing it for prioritizing defense spending at a time when funding for other domestic programs is being reduced.
Political tensions have further complicated the bill’s progress, especially in light of President Donald Trump’s decision to conduct military strikes against Iran without congressional approval. Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the risk of increasing U.S. military involvement in the region. Additionally, Democrats have objected to voting-related provisions included in the bill, such as stricter voter identification requirements and mail-in voting restrictions, which are backed by Trump but seen by opponents as inappropriate for defense legislation.
The House also rejected an amendment that proposed ending U.S. military aid to Ukraine, although other amendments related to transgender military policies and defense healthcare sparked heated debate. Meanwhile, House Republicans have approved a budget framework allowing $73 billion for military operations concerning Iran, a figure that remains significantly lower than the Pentagon’s comprehensive defense funding proposal.