US Lawmakers Approve Largest-Ever Defense Budget at $1.15 Trillion

The U.S. House of Representatives approved on Wednesday, by a narrow margin, its version of a massive defense policy bill, despite Democratic concerns over its high cost, the war with Iran, and a provision that would strengthen Pentagon ties with Israel.

The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, which allocates the largest-ever military budget of $1.15 trillion, with 216 votes in favor and 212 against.

Democrats objected to the massive sum allocated to the Pentagon, as President Donald Trump and Republicans cut spending on social programs. They also opposed the ongoing war with Iran, which lacks public support; the Pentagon has stated that the conflict has cost $37.5 billion so far.

Republicans argued that the trillion-dollar spending package is necessary to support the military as it wages war with Iran, to fund the development of defense systems and the purchase of equipment, and to provide benefits for service members, including salary increases of up to seven percent, as well as to build barracks and housing for their families.

Another measure that raised Democratic concerns was a provision significantly expanding military technological cooperation between the United States and Israel, despite calls from many Americans—particularly on the left—to reduce U.S. support for Israel due to concerns over the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties resulting from Israeli attacks in Gaza.