House Passes Major Defense Bill With $900 Billion in Funding
The House of Representatives voted 312-112 to approve a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes $900 billion in military spending and includes provisions for troop pay raises and weapons purchases reform.
The 3,000-page National Defense Authorization Act represents the annual legislation that typically receives bipartisan support. The White House has indicated support for the measure, which aligns with the administration's national security priorities.
The bill includes a 3.8% pay raise for many military members and funds for housing and facility improvements at military bases. It also authorizes $400 million annually for the next two years to manufacture weapons for Ukraine, reflecting lawmakers' commitment to supporting the country against Russian invasion.
The legislation strikes compromises between political parties. It cuts climate-related spending by $1.6 billion and reduces diversity, equity and inclusion funding by $40 million, aligning with Republican priorities. At the same time, it strengthens congressional oversight of the Pentagon and repeals several outdated war authorizations, including the 2003 authorization used to justify the 2003 Iraq invasion.
A significant portion of the bill addresses military accountability. The legislation includes provisions that cut Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget by a quarter until the Pentagon provides Congress with unedited video footage of strikes against suspected drug smuggling boats near Venezuela. A September operation killed survivors who were clinging to a partially destroyed vessel. The bill also requires Hegseth to allow Congress to review the orders authorizing these strikes.
The defense bill includes requirements to maintain minimum troop levels in key regions. It mandates keeping at least 76,000 troops and major equipment stationed in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted about withdrawal. Additionally, it sets a minimum requirement of 28,500 US troops in South Korea.
The legislation addresses concerns about military airspace operations over Washington. Several senators from both parties criticized provisions they viewed as insufficient to restrict military flights following a midair collision between an army helicopter and a jetliner that killed all 67 people aboard in September.
Congress uses the bill to repeal sanctions on Syria that were imposed in 2019 under the previous administration. The new Syrian government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, is seeking to rebuild the country's economy, and supporters argue that permanent sanction removal will encourage international investment.
Democrats expressed criticism about the removal of a provision that would have expanded in vitro fertilization coverage for active duty personnel. The earlier version of the bill included this medical procedure coverage.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where leaders are working to pass the legislation before Congress departs for the holiday break.