The House of Representatives passed a $1.14 trillion defense policy bill on Wednesday, marking a rare instance of partisan division over the typically bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2027. The bill passed 216-212, with 205 Democrats and seven Republicans opposing it. Six Democrats crossed party lines to support the measure, while five Republicans voted against it.
Key Provisions and Opposition
The NDAA includes funding for U.S. military operations amid ongoing hostilities with Iran, which have cost taxpayers $37.5 billion to date. The bill also mandates the appointment of a lead official to coordinate U.S.-Israel defense efforts, a provision opposed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who argued it would merge military technology and supply chains with Israel. His amendment to remove the provision was rejected by the House rules committee. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) criticized Massie’s stance as "antisemitic grift."
Partisan Divides
Democrats primarily opposed the bill due to its $1.15 trillion discretionary spending, which they argue would cut domestic programs and reduce taxes. Republicans framed the bill as a "generational investment in America’s national defense," emphasizing innovation and readiness. The bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats may demand concessions to curb President Trump’s war efforts in Iran.
Additional Controversies
House Republicans also attached the SAVE America Act, a voter ID and proof of citizenship bill, to the NDAA before sending it to the Senate. The bill’s path forward remains uncertain, as Senate Republicans will need Democratic support to clear the 60-vote threshold.