U.S. House passes record $1.15 trillion defence bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense bill, which includes significant funding increases and controversial policy riders. The bill faces opposition from Democrats due to its association with the ongoing conflict with Iran and the inclusion of restrictive voting legislation.
Why it matters
The bill represents a massive increase in military spending and highlights the deepening political polarization in the U.S. government regarding foreign policy and domestic voting rights.
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed an annual defence policy bill on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) that would authorise a record $1.15 trillion in funding for the Pentagon, as the divisive Iran war drags on.
Though it traditionally sees significant bipartisan support, the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) passed the lower chamber in a 216-212 vote, a sign of the growing polarization under President Donald Trump.
The bill, which must still pass the Senate, provides approximately $250 billion more than the 2026 NDAA, including a 5-7% pay raise for service members.
"This legislation provides our brave service members with an overdue pay raise, strengthens our nuclear deterrence and missile defence — including construction of the Golden Dome," House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
Mr. Trump has sought to develop the so-called Golden Dome missile defence system to protect the US mainland, modelled after Israel's "Iron Dome."
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