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The US House of Representatives narrowly passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill on Wednesday, a measure that includes a provision to expand military technology cooperation with Israel. The bill, which authorizes spending for the military including the ongoing war with Iran, now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain amid Democratic opposition.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027 passed by a vote of 216 to 212, largely along party lines. Six Democrats voted in favor, while seven Republicans opposed it, according to reports from Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and the Jerusalem Post.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera framed the bill as a "Bill to fund war on Iran and a handful of Trump priorities," emphasizing the "widely unpopular war" and the president's request for a substantial increase in military spending. The outlet quoted Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who called Section 219 of the bill "a betrayal of our sovereignty" for merging US military technology and supply chains with Israel's.

The Guardian described the bill as a "$1.15tn defense policy bill" and highlighted the Democratic opposition, including the insertion of the Save America Act, a Trump-backed proposal imposing new voting restrictions. The Guardian also noted that the president's decision to join Israel in attacking Iran without congressional authorization complicated the bill's path.

The Jerusalem Post, reporting via Reuters, focused on the bill's "huge price tag" and the war with Iran, noting that the Pentagon has said the war has cost the US $37.5 billion so far. The Post also mentioned the provision to expand military technology cooperation with Israel, which worried Democrats despite calls from many Americans to reduce military assistance to Israel.

Key Claims

  • The US House passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill by a vote of 216 to 212, as reported by Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and the Jerusalem Post.
  • The bill authorizes spending for the military, including the war with Iran, which the Pentagon has said has cost $37.5 billion so far, according to the Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera.
  • The bill includes a provision to expand military technology cooperation with Israel, a point of concern for Democrats, as reported by all three outlets.
  • The bill faces challenges in the Senate due to partisan divisions. Senate Democrats blocked the advancement of their version of the NDAA last week in protest of the war, as reported by The Guardian.
  • The bill includes the Save America Act, which would impose new restrictions on voting, including banning mail-in ballots and requiring identification at polls and during registration, as reported by The Guardian.
  • The president requested an enormous increase in the military budget, from $900 billion last year to $1.5 trillion, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

Republican view: Republicans, including House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers, argue the trillion-dollar spending is essential to support the military, fund defense systems, and provide benefits for troops. Rogers said the budget "accounts for the true cost of American deterrence." Republican Representative Thomas Massie, however, voiced opposition to the Israel cooperation provision, calling it a "betrayal of our sovereignty."

Democratic view: Democrats object to the bill's high cost at a time when social programs face cuts, the ongoing war with Iran, and the inclusion of voting restrictions. They also oppose the expansion of military technology cooperation with Israel, citing growing public support for ending military assistance to Israel.

White House view: President Donald Trump has said the military spending increase is necessary as the US fights the war with Iran, which was launched by the US and Israel in late February.