Photo by Jakub Pabis
The US House of Representatives has endorsed an unprecedented $901 billion defence spending package for the 2026 fiscal year, pushing the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) one step closer to becoming law. The vote took place on Wednesday and passed with a solid majority, even as several lawmakers voiced objections to elements of the legislation.
The chamber approved the bill 312â112, reflecting a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation on national security priorities. The measure now heads to the Senate, which is expected to vote on it before the end of the congressional session. Once it clears the upper chamber, President Donald Trump is poised to sign the legislation.
The budget marks one of the largest military allocations in US history, exceeding Trumpâs own initial proposal by roughly $8 billion. Lawmakers cited global instabilityâincluding challenges from China, Russia, and regional flashpointsâas justification for strengthening defence capabilities.
A significant part of the bill includes continued assistance to Ukraine, authorizing $400 million annually for the next two years. The legislation instructs the Pentagon to maintain troop levels and key military assets in Europe, ensuring coordination with NATO allies before making any force reductions.
Service members will receive a 4% pay increase, and the bill dedicates money to improving military bases, housing, and overall quality-of-life conditionsâareas that have drawn growing scrutiny from both parties. The legislation also blocks major cuts to American troop deployments abroad, reaffirming long-standing strategic commitments.
Some of the billâs provisions align closely with Trump administration priorities, including the removal of funding tied to diversity, equity and inclusion programs and the rollback of certain climate initiatives. Democrats, however, criticised the elimination of proposals such as expanded fertility treatment coverage.
Another notable measure aims to bolster transparency at the Pentagon. Lawmakers inserted a clause threatening to restrict part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethâs travel budget unless the Defense Department releases unedited footage and documentation related to controversial strikes on suspected narcotics-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean.
Despite disagreements over specific policies, the NDAA once again demonstrated its status as a âmust-passâ bill, underscoring Congressâs firm stance on safeguarding US military readiness. The Senate is expected to advance the legislation quickly, paving the way for presidential approval.Â
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