The United States House of Representatives has narrowly approved a $1.15 trillion military spending package, despite significant opposition regarding the cost and deepened technological ties with Israel.
The 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) passed on Wednesday by a vote of 216 to 212, with six Democrats voting in favour and seven Republicans opposing the measure.
The legislation marks a substantial increase from the previous year’s $900 billion budget, aligning with President Donald Trump’s request for military spending to eventually reach $1.5 trillion.
Trump has justified the expenditure as necessary for the ongoing war against Iran, which was launched by the US and Israel in late February.
A controversial component of the bill, Section 219, mandates the integration of US military technology and supply chains with those of Israel.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a critic of the Iranian conflict, labelled the provision a “betrayal of our sovereignty” and expressed hope for its defeat in the Senate. This expansion of cooperation comes despite rising public sentiment in favour of ending military aid to Israel.
In addition to military funding, the package includes assistance for Ukraine and the SAVE America Act. The latter is a key priority for the President and seeks to impose new voting restrictions to address what Trump has inaccurately characterised as widespread fraud.
The bill faces an uncertain path in the Senate, where Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the high expenditure during a period when the White House is cutting social programmes. Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently characterised NDAA as a “permission slip” for the war on Iran.
Senate Democrats have already moved to block debate on the legislation during a vote held last week.
