US House Passes Record $1.15tn Defence Bill Amid Iran War

The United States House of Representatives has narrowly approved a record $1.15 trillion defence policy bill for 2027, as the administration of President Donald Trump continues to prosecute its military campaign against Iran.

The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the House on Wednesday by 216 votes to 212, reflecting growing partisan divisions in Congress over the war and the administration's broader defence and foreign policy agenda.

The legislation must still be approved by the US Senate before it can become law.

If enacted, the bill would authorise approximately $250 billion more in defence spending than the 2026 NDAA and provide a five to seven per cent pay increase for US military personnel.

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the legislation, saying it would strengthen America's military capabilities while improving support 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,” Johnson said.

The proposed Golden Dome is a missile defence system championed by Trump and designed to provide greater protection for the US mainland. The initiative has been compared to Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system.

Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee also argued that the legislation would help replenish US military stockpiles, which they said had been depleted by the country's ongoing military operations.

The committee's Republican members said the measure would help rebuild “depleted stockpiles” as the United States continues to expend significant quantities of military projectiles in its conflict with Iran.

But Democrats strongly opposed the bill, accusing the Trump administration of excessive military spending and questioning the legality and consequences of the war.

Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler said he could not support giving Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth $1.15 trillion for what he described as “out-of-control military spending and irresponsible actions.”

“The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy,” Nadler said.

The legislation has also become entangled in wider political disputes, with Trump's proposed SAVE America Act, which seeks to introduce new nationwide voting restrictions, added to the defence bill through a procedural manoeuvre.

The move has angered Democrats and could complicate efforts to secure passage of the legislation in the Senate.

Another controversial provision would increase military cooperation between the United States and Israel, a proposal that has also drawn criticism amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.

The debate over the defence bill comes at a time of heightened military tensions, with the US government committing substantial resources to its campaign against Iran.

The proposed record spending package is therefore expected to face further scrutiny in the Senate, where lawmakers will weigh the administration's military requirements against concerns over the cost of the war, congressional oversight and the broader implications of US involvement in the conflict.

The final shape of the defence legislation could change during the Senate's consideration, particularly as lawmakers negotiate contentious provisions that have already exposed deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats.

For the Trump administration, however, the House vote represents a significant step towards securing additional resources for the US military, including missile defence, nuclear deterrence, personnel compensation and the replenishment of weapons stockpiles.