On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives approved a defense policy bill authorizing a record-breaking $1.15 trillion in Pentagon spending. The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed with a tight 216-212 vote, highlighting the intense political division currently surrounding President Donald Trump’s administration.
This year’s budget represents a $250 billion increase over the 2026 allocation and includes a proposed 5-7 percent salary increase for military personnel. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the bill, noting that it bolsters nuclear deterrence and initiates the Golden Dome missile defense system. This initiative, championed by President Trump, aims to shield the American mainland using technology similar to Israel’s Iron Dome.
Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee justified the spending as a necessary measure to replenish military reserves exhausted by the protracted conflict with Iran. However, the legislation faced sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler condemned the package, labeling it an irresponsible expenditure that supports an unauthorized war. Tensions were further amplified by the inclusion of the “SAVE America Act,” a controversial measure that introduces national voting restrictions, which was integrated into the NDAA through a procedural tactic. Additionally, the bill contains provisions for expanded military collaboration between the US and Israel, adding another layer of legislative friction as the act moves to the Senate for consideration.
