US House approves $1.15 trillion defense bill
Photo: REUTERS
Republicans in the United States House of Representatives narrowly approved a massive $1.15 trillion military spending package on Wednesday, overcoming Democratic objections regarding its high price and expanded military technology ties with Israel.
The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) cleared the chamber with a thin 216 to 212 margin, largely following party lines except for six Democrats who supported it and seven Republicans who voted in opposition.
This version of the NDAA reflects President Donald Trump’s request for a historic increase in the military budget, which seeks to elevate spending from $900 billion last year toward a total of $1.5 trillion.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a vocal critic of the war on Iran, slammed the legislation in a social media post following the vote. Massie said, “Final vote total for the NDAA today which tragically merges our military technology and supply chains with Israel’s.”
Expressing concern over national independence, he added, “Let’s hope this version fails in the Senate because Section 219 is a betrayal of our sovereignty.”
Trump has defended the necessity of this funding surge, citing the ongoing and widely unpopular war against Iran launched by the US and Israel in February.
The bill now heads toward an uncertain future in the Senate, where Democrats expect to fight the massive costs while the White House simultaneously moves to cut social programs.
Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously blocked debate on the measure, characterizing the NDAA as a “permission slip” for the government's military actions in Iran.
In addition to the defense spending, the package contains several contentious items, including financial aid for Ukraine.
It also incorporates the SAVE America Act, a primary goal for the president that enforces new voting restrictions to counter what Trump has falsely claimed is widespread electoral fraud.
Source: Reuters (adapted)
