US House Passes Record $1.15 Trillion Defence Bill, Includes Israel Military Integration Plan
US House Passes Record $1.15 Trillion Defence Bill, Includes Israel Military Integration Plan Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 05:45 IST The vote largely
US House Passes Record $1.15 Trillion Defence Bill, Includes Israel Military Integration Plan Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 05:45 IST The vote largely followed party lines, with all but seven Republicans backing the bill, while all but six Democrats voted against it. The U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Reuters photo) The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed a record $1.15 trillion defence policy bill that includes a plan to strengthen military integration between the United States and Israel. The Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027 was approved by a narrow 216-212 vote, with all but seven Republicans backing the bill, while all but six Democrats voted against it. The legislation will now move to the Senate for further approval. The vote came measures, including a voting-related provision pushed by US President Donald Trump’s allies, adding to concerns among Democrats as the US continues its war with Iran, with lawmakers divided over the cost of the massive defence package and its wider implications.
Bill boosts US-Israel military cooperation A key provision in the NDAA calls for greater cooperation between the Pentagon and the Israeli armed forces, a move that has sparked debate among lawmakers. Supporters say closer ties with Israel will improve defence coordination, while critics have raised concerns over expanding US military commitments. The bill authorises around $250 billion more in defence spending than the previous year’s package and includes a proposed 5-7 per cent pay rise for US service members. US House Speaker Mike Johnson said the legislation would support troops, strengthen nuclear deterrence and improve missile defence capabilities, including the development of the US “Golden Dome" system, which has been compared with Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence programme. US President Donald Trump has sought to develop the so-called Golden Dome missile defense system to protect the US mainland, modeled after Israel’s “Iron Dome." Republicans said the funding would help rebuild military stockpiles as the US uses large amounts of weapons and ammunition during its conflict with Iran.
Democrats criticised the bill over its cost and policies linked to the Trump administration. Representative Jerry Nadler said he could not support giving the administration “$1.15 trillion" for what he called excessive military spending and irresponsible actions. “The NDAA is a costly, bad bill that funds an illegal war and undermines our democracy," he said. The NDAA also includes other controversial measures, including a voting-related provision pushed by Trump’s allies, adding to concerns among Democrats. The Senate must now review the defence bill before it can become law. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the next steps for this defense bill to become law? The defense bill passed by the US House of Representatives must now be reviewed by the Senate before it can become law. The House approved the Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027 by a vote of 216-212. Could this bill escalate tensions in the Middle East?
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