US House passes record $1.15trn defence bill to fund Iran war

The US House of Representatives narrowly passed an annual defense policy bill on Wednesday that would authorize a record $1.15 trillion in funding for the Pentagon, as the divisive Iran war drags on.

Though it traditionally sees significant bipartisan support, the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the lower chamber in a 216-212 vote, a sign of the growing polarization under President Donald Trump. The bill, which must still pass the Senate, provides approximately $250 billion more than the 2026 NDAA, including a 5-7 percent pay raise for service members.

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

Trump has sought to develop the so-called Golden Dome missile defense system to protect the US mainland, modeled after Israel’s “Iron Dome.” The House Armed Services Committee Republicans, in a statement, said the bill would help rebuild “depleted stockpiles,” as the United States expends large amounts of projectiles in its war against Iran.

However, the legislation faced strong opposition from across the aisle regarding the record expenditure and military engagement.

“The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy. I could not vote to give Trump and his Defense chief Pete Hegseth $1.15 TRILLION for their out-of-control military spending and irresponsible actions.” Jerry Nadler, Democratic Representative said.

Trump’s prized “SAVE America Act,” which would enact new nationwide voting restrictions, was added to the NDAA through a procedural maneuver, raising the ire of Democrats and further complicating the bill’s passage in the Senate. Controversy has also raged in recent weeks over another section of the NDAA that calls for increased cooperation between the United States and Israeli armed forces.