U.S. House Passes $1.15 Trillion Defense Bill Following Bipartisan Fracture

Bipartisan Fracture Over Israel Defense Cooperation

The passage of the bill saw a rare split within the Democratic caucus, with only six members joining the Republican majority to support the legislation. These Democrats—Reps. Henry Cuellar (Texas), Don Davis (N.C.), Jared Golden (Maine), Vicente Gonzalez (Texas), Adam Gray (Calif.), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.)—are known for breaking with their party on key issues, and many are currently running for reelection in swing districts. Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley (Calif.), who changed his affiliation from Republican earlier this year, also supported the bill, while seven GOP lawmakers opposed it.

A primary point of contention was Section 219, a provision designed to expand U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation. The section directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint an executive agent at the Pentagon to oversee the newly formed initiative and accelerate bilateral defense research, testing, and industrial cooperation. Critics, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who led an unsuccessful effort to remove the section earlier in the week, argued the provision tragically merges our military and supply chains with Israel’s. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) urged colleagues to reject the bill, arguing the provision would merge parts of our military with the IDF, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. She wrote on X, This amendment is an existential threat to American sovereignty and democracy.

Spending Priorities and Legislative Strategy

The legislation authorizes a historic $1.15 trillion in spending, a figure that Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democratic lawmaker on the House Armed Services Committee, noted is approaching $1.6 trillion when including separate efforts to pay for the war in Iran and boost weapons stockpiles. The American people are struggling to pay their bills and we’re going to put $1.6 trillion into the defense budget. It’s not a reasonable thing to ask, Smith said. The bill also incorporates President Donald Trump’s request for spending and would designate the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

The partisan divide was further amplified by Republican leadership’s decision to attach the SAVE America Act—an elections overhaul bill—to the defense legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson is working to accommodate Republican lawmakers who are frustrated that the Senate has not passed the measure, insisting it be included in must-pass legislation until the Senate relents. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, acknowledged areas of disagreement but emphasized the vote was a necessary step to reverse decades of underinvestment. This bill will do that and much more, Rogers said. It will build the ready, capable and lethal fighting force we need to deter China and other adversaries.

Military Readiness and Social Policy Provisions

The NDAA includes a pay raise for service members next year ranging from 5% to 7%, depending on rank. It also includes a prohibition on gender-related medical care under the military health program known as TRICARE and eases hurdles for service members to carry privately owned firearms on base, following the lead of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rep. Don Davis, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, defended the bill’s focus on local installations, such as Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

By investing in our military installations, strengthening American manufacturing, and modernizing our military, this legislation helps ensure our servicemembers remain ready to meet evolving global security challenges, Davis said in a statement. These investments will create opportunities for eastern North Carolina, support military families and strengthen our nation’s ability to confront emerging threats and protect the American people. Similarly, Rep. Henry Cuellar stated, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act to strengthen our national defense while improving the pay, housing, and childcare for our service members and their families.

The Path Toward Final Legislation

Despite the House passage, the bill faces an uncertain future. Rep. Thomas Massie expressed hope that the current version of the bill fails in the Senate. Rep. Mike Rogers promised to continue working in a bipartisan manner on a final product that can pass both chambers and be signed into law. Rep. Henry Cuellar echoed this sentiment, noting, This vote is one step in the legislative process and I will continue working toward a final bipartisan agreement that strengthens our national security while providing more resources to the men and women who serve our country.