U.S. House passes $1.15 trillion NDAA in 216-212 vote

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed its version of a sweeping defense policy bill Wednesday, approving a historic $1.15 trillion budget for the Pentagon amid uncertainty over the future of the Iran war.

The increased budget — up from the $900.6 billion authorized last year — raised concerns among lawmakers who argued the U.S. should cease funding the war in Iran, especially as the nation faces mounting debt.

Vote Breakdown

The House passed its fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a vote of 216–212, with three representatives abstaining.

• 209 Republicans voted in favor
• 205 Democrats voted against
• 7 Republicans and 6 Democrats crossed party lines

Key Provisions

The bill includes several major provisions:

• Name change: The Department of Defense would officially adopt the name Department of War
• Pay raise: A 5% to 7% pay increase for military service members
• Force size: An increase in active-duty force size
• Base names: A mandate to revert the names of nine southern military bases to those recommended in 2023 to replace Confederate honorifics

Floor Debate

During Wednesday's session, House lawmakers debated the bill, with some arguing its necessity to safeguard America both domestically and abroad. Policymakers on both sides of the aisle placed blame on the other.

House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) said:

"The Democrats have gone on time and time again with this unprecedented obstruction. Recently, they blocked the National Defense Authorization Act to protest President Trump and our troops' efforts to stop this radical terrorist regime from having nuclear weapons."

Arrington was referring to Senate Democrats blocking that chamber's version of the 2027 NDAA last week.

House Budget Committee Ranking Member Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) countered:

"Most of that [new deficit] spending is for President Trump's Iran war, a reckless decision with absolutely no plan on how to achieve victory and how it would end."

Boyle added: "There's nothing in [the reconciliation bill] whatsoever to bring down costs. Just more spending on the most unpopular war in American history."

Iran War Costs

The Iran war has cost the Defense Department $37.5 billion to date, Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators Tuesday. Hegseth testified during a hearing to request $67.1 billion in supplemental funding for the war and other DoD expenses.

Outlook

Historically seen by both parties as "must-pass legislation," the NDAA is one of the few major bills that consistently passes Congress, having become law for 65 straight years.

This year's bill faces major challenges given deep partisan divisions within Congress on issues ranging from the size of the military budget to the Iran war and aid to Israel and Ukraine.

It remains early in the NDAA process. Each year, the House and Senate pass their own versions of the NDAA before Armed Services committee negotiators agree on a compromise version, which then comes up for a vote in each chamber. If the compromise passes, it would be sent to the White House for President Trump to sign into law or veto.

Reuters contributed to this report.

About the Author: Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering the defense industry, national security, and military/veteran affairs. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024.