The U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act in a narrow 216-212 vote, authorizing record funding for the Pentagon.
Key facts
- •The 2027 NDAA passed the House with a 216-212 vote on July 22, 2026.
- •The bill provides $1.15 trillion in funding, roughly $250 billion more than the 2026 act.
- •Service members are set to receive a 5-7% pay increase under the legislation.
- •The "SAVE America Act," which adds nationwide voting restrictions, was attached to the bill.
- •The bill must still be approved by the Senate before it can be enacted.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The bill authorizes a record $1.15 trillion in funding for the Pentagon, marking an increase of approximately $250 billion over the previous year's legislation. The measure passed the lower chamber with a narrow 216-212 vote, reflecting significant political polarization.
By the numbers
Funding and Military Provisions
The legislation includes a 5-7% pay raise for service members and funding for the development of the "Golden Dome" missile defense system. President Donald Trump has advocated for this system, which is modeled after Israel's "Iron Dome," to protect the U.S. mainland. Additionally, the House Armed Services Committee stated the bill aims to replenish military stockpiles depleted during the ongoing war against Iran.
Political Opposition and Controversies
The bill faces criticism from Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Jerry Nadler, who characterized the spending as irresponsible and linked to an illegal war. Further complicating the bill's path to the Senate is the inclusion of the "SAVE America Act," which introduces new nationwide voting restrictions. This provision was added via a procedural maneuver, drawing opposition from Democrats. The bill also contains a section calling for increased military cooperation between the United States and Israel.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu.
