U.S. House approves $1.15 trillion 2027 defense authorization bill

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 216‑212 to pass the fiscal‑year‑2027 National Defense Authorization Act, a $1.15 trillion defense spending package. Six Democrats joined the majority of Republicans in supporting the bill, while seven Republicans and a majority of Democrats opposed it.

Key provisions include a 5‑7% pay raise for service members, $560 billion for next‑generation aircraft and weapons, expanded funding for missile‑defense production, critical‑minerals investments and a range of artificial‑intelligence and autonomous‑systems projects. The legislation would rename the Department of Defense as the “Department of War.”

Section 219 creates a United States‑Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, allocating roughly $750 million for joint research, development and production of missile‑defense, AI, cyber‑security and anti‑drone systems. Critics labeled the clause “America Last,” with Rep. Thomas Massie saying it “merges our military technology and supply chains with Israel’s.”

The bill also funds a $10 billion Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, directs the Pentagon to develop a plan to invite Taiwan to the 2028 RIMPAC exercise, and includes measures aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply‑chains and restricting the use of Chinese‑made robotics in U.S. defense projects. The SAVE America Act, a voting‑restriction measure, is attached as well.