Washington, July 23 (QNA) – The US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, allocating a record $1.15 trillion budget for the US military, by a vote of 216 to 212.
All but seven Republicans voted for the bill, while all but six Democrats voted against it.
The Legislation sparked sharp divisions within Congress, with Democrats criticizing the scale of defense spending amid cuts to social programs. They also criticized the continuation of US military operations against Iran, which the Pentagon says have cost $37.5 billion to date.
Republicans, on the other hand, argued that the funding is essential to support the armed forces, finance the development of defense systems, procure military equipment, and improve the conditions of service members through pay increases of up to seven percent and the construction of barracks and housing for their families.
The bill now proceed to the Senate for further legislative consideration before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. (QNA)