US House narrowly passes $1.15 trillion defense policy bill

The US House of Representatives narrowly passed an annual defense policy bill on Wednesday that would authorize a record $1.15 trillion for the Pentagon, while the Iran war continues. The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act passed the lower chamber by 216 votes to 212. The bill still has to pass the Senate.

The measure would provide about $250 billion more than the 2026 defense authorization act and includes a 5 to 7 percent pay raise for service members.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the legislation would give service members an overdue pay raise and strengthen nuclear deterrence and missile defense, including construction of the Golden Dome. President Donald Trump has sought to develop the Golden Dome missile defense system to protect the US mainland, modeled on Israel's Iron Dome.

House Armed Services Committee Republicans said the bill would help rebuild depleted stockpiles as the United States uses large amounts of projectiles in its war against Iran.

Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler said he could not support giving Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth $1.15 trillion for what he described as out-of-control military spending and irresponsible actions. He also described the NDAA as a costly bill that funds an illegal war and undermines democracy.

Trump's SAVE America Act, which would create new nationwide voting restrictions, was added to the defense bill through a procedural move. Democrats opposed the addition, and it could further complicate the bill's passage in the Senate. Another section calling for increased cooperation between the US and Israeli armed forces has also drawn controversy in recent weeks.