US House passes $1.15 trillion military bill amidst outcry

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a substantial military spending bill totaling $1.15 trillion. The legislation, approved on July 23, 2026, by a vote of 216-212 primarily along party lines, includes significant provisions aimed at expanding defense technology cooperation between the United States and Israel.

A key element of the bill is Section 219, which seeks to embed US-Israel defense technology collaboration more deeply within the Pentagon's acquisition and weapons development systems. This provision directs the Secretary of War to appoint an executive agent to streamline and accelerate bilateral research, testing, and industrial cooperation. Additionally, the NDAA allocates $750 million for joint US-Israel military initiatives, encompassing areas such as missile defense, counter-unmanned systems, and emerging technologies, and also extends the War Reserves Stockpile Authority-Israel.

The passage of the bill faced opposition from progressive Democrats and some Republicans who expressed concerns over its high cost and the deepening military ties with Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran. Critics argued that Section 219 could make the US-Israel defense relationship more entrenched and less subject to congressional oversight. Supporters, however, maintained that the measure enhances national security by coordinating existing programs and granting the U.S. quicker access to advanced Israeli defense technologies. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for further consideration.