A $1.15 trillion defence policy bill has sparked a bitter row in Washington after passing the US House of Representatives by a narrow margin. The controversy surrounding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is deeply entwined with President Trump's decision to join Israel in military action against Iran without first consulting Congress, casting a shadow over bipartisan support for the legislation.
The escalating conflict with Iran has already cost the US $37.5 billion, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Democratic representatives like Ilhan Omar of Minnesota have lashed out at the bill's prioritisation of defence spending over domestic needs, citing public frustration with funding overseas military actions and concerns about Pentagon accountability following repeated audit failures.
Ahead of the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced amendments backed by right-wing lawmakers, including the 'Save America Act', a Trump-backed proposal to restrict mail-in ballots and voter ID requirements. This move has drawn accusations from Democrats, such as New York Representative Jerry Nadler, that the NDAA is being manipulated to erode democratic processes.
Some Republicans also voiced opposition, particularly over Section 219, which creates the US-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative. Conservative representatives like Kentucky's Thomas Massie expressed reservations about this provision, claiming it undermined US sovereignty. Notably, far-right figure Lauren Boebert abstained from voting due to her objections to this specific section.
The Senate had previously blocked its own version of the NDAA last week, signalling disapproval over US involvement in the Iran conflict. This latest development in the House underscores deep divisions within US politics regarding military spending, foreign policy, and electoral integrity, setting the stage for further legislative battles.