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U.S. House passes record $1.15 trillion defence bill by 216-212 vote
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) by a narrow 216-212 vote, authorizing a record $1.15 trillion for the Pentagon. The bill, which traditionally enjoys bipartisan support, passed along party lines, reflecting deepening polarization under President Donald Trump. It includes a 5-7% pay raise for service members, funding for the 'Golden Dome' missile defence system, and provisions to rebuild depleted stockpiles amid the ongoing Iran war. Democrats opposed the bill, citing an 'illegal war' and out-of-control spending. The bill also controversially includes Trump's 'SAVE America Act' voting restrictions and provisions for increased U.S.-Israel military cooperation. The legislation now moves to the Senate.
Source report
Though it traditionally sees significant bipartisan support, the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) passed the lower chamber in a 216-212 vote, a sign of the growing polarization under President Donald Trump
Updated - July 28, 2026 11:40 am IST
AFP
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed an annual defence policy bill on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) that would authorise a record $1.15 trillion in funding for the Pentagon, as the divisive Iran war drags on.
Though it traditionally sees significant bipartisan support, the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) passed the lower chamber in a 216-212 vote, a sign of the growing polarization under President Donald Trump.
The bill, which must still pass the Senate, provides approximately $250 billion more than the 2026 NDAA, including a 5-7% pay raise for service members.
"This legislation provides our brave service members with an overdue pay raise, strengthens our nuclear deterrence and missile defence — including construction of the Golden Dome," House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
Mr. Trump has sought to develop the so-called Golden Dome missile defence system to protect the US mainland, modelled after Israel's "Iron Dome."
The House Armed Services Committee Republicans, in a statement, said the bill would help rebuild "depleted stockpiles," as the United States expends large amounts of projectiles in its war against Iran.
Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, for his part, said he could not vote to give Mr. Trump and his Defence chief Pete Hegseth "$1.15 TRILLION for their out-of-control military spending and irresponsible actions."
"The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy," he said.
Mr. Trump's prized "SAVE America Act," which would enact new nationwide voting restrictions, was added to the NDAA through a procedural maneuver, raising the ire of Democrats and further complicating the bill's passage in the Senate.
Controversy has also raged in recent weeks over another section of the NDAA that calls for increased cooperation between the United States and Israeli armed forces.
Published - July 23, 2026 05:09 am IST
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U.S. House Passes $1.15 Trillion Defense Bill Amid Iran War Divisions