The US House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill on Wednesday in a near-party-line vote of 216-212. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which incorporates President Donald Trump's request for historic national security spending, passed with nearly all Republicans in favor and almost all Democrats opposing the measure.
The legislation provides approximately $250 billion more than the 2026 NDAA and includes a 5-7% pay raise for service members. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the bill provides an overdue pay raise while strengthening missile defense and nuclear deterrence. Additionally, the bill would designate the Department of Defense as the Department of War and boost Pentagon ties with Israel.
The vote marks a significant departure from the typically bipartisan nature of the annual NDAA. Democrats refused to back the measure amid the war with Iran and the president's push to impose new nationwide voting restrictions. The bill was passed alongside a budget blueprint that would allow Republicans to bypass Democrats to unlock further funds for the Iran war and Trump's election overhaul bill.
The passage of the annual bill was further complicated by President Trump's decision to join Israel in attacking Iran without congressional approval. The unusually contentious measure, which had previously stalled in both chambers of Congress, now moves to the Senate where it faces uncertainty.