The US House of Representatives narrowly passed its version of a massive defense policy bill on Wednesday, despite concerns about its huge price tag and provisions related to the war with Iran and ties to Israel.

Defense Spending and Iran War

The fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, authorizes an unprecedented $1.15 trillion in spending for the military, passing the House by 216 to 212. Republicans said the trillion-dollar spending is essential to support the military as it wages war in Iran, fund defense systems development and equipment purchases, and provide benefits for the troops like raises of up to 7% and construction for barracks and family housing.

Democrats objected to the huge amount of money being authorized for the Pentagon, at a time when President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans are slashing spending on social programs, including welfare programs. They also object to the ongoing and deeply unpopular war with Iran, which the Pentagon said has cost the US $37.5 billion so far.

Pro-Life and Israel Provisions

Another measure that worried Democrats was a provision that would substantially expand military technology cooperation between the United States and Israel, despite calls from many Americans to roll back US support for Israel over concern about the heavy toll on Palestinian civilians of its attacks in Gaza.

The bill faces major challenges, given deep partisan divisions within Congress on issues ranging from the massive size of the military budget, to the Iran war, aid to Israel and Ukraine, and culture war causes like the treatment of transgender troops.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.