WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved its version of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing a record $1.15 trillion in military spending while strengthening security cooperation between the United States and Israel.
The legislation passed by a vote of 216 to 212, with most Republicans supporting the measure and the majority of Democrats voting against it.
The defense bill includes several provisions allocating hundreds of millions of dollars for joint US-Israel military programs, reinforcing long-standing defense cooperation between the two allies.
During the debate, some progressive Democratic lawmakers opposed a provision aimed at expanding US-Israel security cooperation, arguing that it would deepen intelligence collaboration. However, supporters of the bill rejected claims that it would merge or integrate the intelligence services of the two countries.
Democrats also criticized the legislation’s unprecedented level of military spending, arguing that it comes as President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers continue to reduce funding for several domestic social programs.
More Read
Lawmakers opposing the bill further cited concerns over the ongoing US military campaign involving Iran. According to the Pentagon, the conflict has so far cost the United States approximately $37.5 billion, making it another major point of contention during the congressional debate.
The NDAA is an annual defense policy measure that sets funding levels, military priorities, and defense programs for the US armed forces. The legislation must still complete the legislative process before becoming law.
