US House passes record $1.15tn defence bill amid Iran conflict

The United States House of Representatives has narrowly passed the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), approving a record $1.15 trillion in defence spending as the country’s military campaign involving Iran continues.

 

The bill passed on Wednesday by 216 votes to 212 and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

 

The proposed budget represents an increase of about $250 billion over the 2026 defence bill and includes a 5 to 7 per cent pay raise for US service members.

 

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the legislation would strengthen America’s military capabilities, including nuclear deterrence and missile defence.

 

“This legislation provides our brave servicemembers with an overdue pay raise, strengthens our nuclear deterrence and missile defense — including construction of the Golden Dome,” Johnson said.

 

President Donald Trump has proposed the Golden Dome missile defence system, modelled after Israel’s Iron Dome, to protect the US mainland from missile attacks.

 

Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee said the increased funding would also help replenish military stockpiles depleted during ongoing operations involving Iran.

 

However, Democrats criticised the measure, arguing that it would fuel excessive military spending and support what they described as an unlawful conflict.

 

Representative Jerry Nadler opposed the bill, saying, “The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy.”

 

The legislation also sparked controversy after Republicans added Trump’s proposed SAVE America Act, which seeks to introduce new nationwide voting restrictions, through a procedural amendment.

 

The move drew criticism from Democrats and could complicate the bill’s passage in the Senate.

 

Another contentious provision calls for expanded military cooperation between the United States and Israel, adding to the debate surrounding the legislation.