US House Narrowly Approves $1.15 Trillion Defense Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed a bill authorizing nearly $1.15 trillion in defense spending under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027, amid bipartisan concerns over provisions expanding military cooperation with Israel.

The measure was approved on Wednesday by a 216-212 vote. While most lawmakers voted along party lines, six Democrats crossed the aisle to support the bill, and seven Republicans voted against it.

One of the bill's most contentious provisions calls for closer integration of U.S. and Israeli military technology and defense supply chains, drawing criticism from both Democratic lawmakers and a handful of Republicans.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, a frequent critic of U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, said after the vote that Section 219 of the legislation would further integrate America's military technology and defense supply chain with Israel's, arguing that the provision could undermine U.S. sovereignty. He expressed hope that the bill would not pass the Senate.

The proposed FY2027 NDAA reflects President Donald Trump's push for a significant increase in defense spending. The Trump administration has proposed raising the defense budget from approximately $900 billion last year to $1.5 trillion.

According to the administration, the additional funding is necessary to address the ongoing conflict involving Iran and respond to broader global security challenges. Critics, however, argue that such a substantial increase in military spending, along with expanded defense cooperation with Israel, requires more extensive debate before becoming law.

The bill will now move to the Senate, where it will face further consideration before it can be sent to the president for final approval.