The US House of Representatives has narrowly approved its version of the fiscal 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), a major defence policy bill that authorises a record $1.15 trillion in military spending. The bill passed on Wednesday with a 216-212 vote after a largely party-line division. All but seven Republicans voted in favour of the legislation, while all but six Democrats opposed it.

The NDAA sets spending priorities for the US military and is considered one of the most important bills Congress takes up each year. Republicans backed the proposal, saying the funding is necessary to support the armed forces during the ongoing conflict with Iran, strengthen defence capabilities and improve benefits for military personnel. Democrats, however, raised concerns over the size of the military budget, the war with Iran and a provision that would increase defence cooperation between the United States and Israel.

Democrats argued that Congress should not authorise such a large increase in Pentagon spending at a time when President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are reducing funding for several social programs. They also questioned continued military spending linked to the conflict with Iran. According to the Pentagon, the war has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far. Many Democrats also pointed to public opposition to the conflict and urged greater scrutiny of defence spending.

Republicans defended the bill and said the funding would help the military continue its operations in Iran, develop advanced defence systems and purchase new equipment. They also highlighted provisions aimed at improving the lives of service members. The legislation includes pay raises of up to 7% for troops. It also provides funding to build and upgrade military barracks and family housing.

Another major issue in the debate was a provision that would significantly expand military technology cooperation between the United States and Israel. Democrats objected to this measure, as many Americans, especially those on the political left, have called for reduced US support for Israel over concerns about the impact of its military operations in Gaza on Palestinian civilians. The proposed expansion of defence ties added to the opposition against the bill among Democratic lawmakers.

For decades, lawmakers from both major political parties have treated the NDAA as "must-pass legislation." Congress has approved a version of the defence bill every year for the past 65 years. This year's measure, however, faces greater uncertainty due to deep political divisions over defence spending, the Iran war, aid to Israel and Ukraine and several social policy issues, including the treatment of transgender troops in the military.

The future of the House version also became more uncertain after Republicans attached the NDAA to the "SAVE America Act." The Trump-backed legislation seeks to tighten restrictions on voting. House Republicans approved the combined package before sending it to the Senate. It remains unclear how this decision will affect the defence bill's progress. The Senate does not currently have enough votes to pass the voting measure, which may complicate efforts to move the NDAA forward.

The Senate has already faced challenges with its own version of the defence bill. Senate Democrats blocked that proposal last week. Republican leaders in the Senate have said they will make another attempt to advance the legislation before lawmakers leave Washington for their August recess. The outcome of that effort will play an important role in determining the future of the bill.

The NDAA is still in the early stages of the legislative process. The House and Senate traditionally pass their own versions of the bill before members of the Armed Services Committees from both chambers meet to negotiate a final compromise. The revised version must then return to both the House and the Senate for another vote.

If both chambers approve the compromise bill, Congress will send it to the White House. President Donald Trump will then decide whether to sign the legislation into law or veto it. Until that process is complete, negotiations over defence spending, military priorities and other attached provisions are expected to continue.