The U.S. House of Representatives voted narrowly to pass the fiscal year 2027 defense budget bill at a record $1.15 trillion, approximately 38.8 trillion baht, with a close tally of 216 to 212 votes. This was despite opposition over escalating war expenses in Iran, expanded military cooperation with Israel, cuts to social welfare funding, and a proposal to rename the "Department of Defense" back to the "Department of War." "Department of War".
The U.S. House voted 216 to 212 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027, with the vote sharply divided along party lines. Nearly all Republicans voted in favor, while most Democrats opposed the bill.
The bill authorizes a total security budget of $1.15 trillion, about 38.8 trillion baht, making it the highest defense budget in U.S. history.
Republicans stated the budget is essential to support U.S. military operations in the war with Iran, develop weapons systems and defense technology, procure military equipment, and provide a 5-7% pay raise for personnel based on rank. It also allocates funds for building military housing and family accommodations.
Additionally, the bill includes President Donald Trump's proposal to rename the Department of Defense as the "Department of War," although official renaming requires congressional approval. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the renaming could cost up to $125 million.
Democrats criticized the defense budget increase occurring while the Trump administration and Republicans continue cutting funding for numerous welfare and social programs.
Several lawmakers also expressed concern over the war with Iran, which the U.S. Department of Defense revealed has already spent over $37.5 billion, approximately 1.26 trillion baht.
Adam Smith, senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said that including additional funds for the Iran war and weapons stockpiling, the total defense budget could approach $1.6 trillion. He warned that passing this bill supports a war with no end in sight.
Another point of opposition from Democrats is a provision expanding military technology cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, despite significant public, especially liberal, calls to reduce support for Israel over concerns about civilian impacts in the Gaza Strip.
The bill also includes conservative social policy measures, such as banning coverage for gender transition treatments under the military health insurance program (TRICARE) and loosening restrictions on carrying personal firearms within military bases.
Before sending the bill to the Senate, Republicans attached the SAVE America Act, an election reform bill supported by President Trump aimed at increasing voting restrictions.
However, the bill lacks sufficient support in the Senate, raising concerns that linking the two bills could complicate the defense bill's passage process.
Although the House has passed the bill, the process is not over, as the Senate will consider its own version before both chambers form a conference committee to produce a compromise bill.
If both chambers approve the final version, it will be sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law or veto.
The NDAA is a vital law passed consecutively by Congress for 65 years, but this year it faces some of the greatest obstacles due to disagreements over defense spending, the Iran war, aid to Israel and Ukraine, as well as deeply polarized social and political issues within Congress.