The US House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027 by a vote of 216 to 212. The bill, which includes a $1.15 trillion budget, provides for a range of measures from pay raises for military personnel to weapons purchases, as well as several significant controversial changes.
Department of Defense to be renamed
One of the most notable provisions of the bill is the proposal to rename the US Department of Defense as the 'Department of War.' Changing the name that has been in use since 1947 has sparked widespread debate in Congress and among the public.
Expansion of military cooperation with Israel
The bill aims to elevate US-Israel military and technical cooperation to an 'integration' level. This includes strengthening joint research and development programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, missile defense, and underground military operations.
The Pentagon is authorized to enter into multi-year procurement contracts for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-35 and F-15EX fighter jets, and advanced munitions. Additionally, the bill imposes strict restrictions on purchasing critical materials and security technologies from companies linked to what the US designates as 'countries of concern' — China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Social provisions and political division
The bill also includes social regulations that go beyond defense matters. While the military health program TRICARE is prohibited from covering gender transition procedures, transgender individuals are barred from participating in women's sports at Department of Defense-run schools. There is also a provision allowing the carrying of weapons on military bases.
The bill passed with majority Republican support, while Democrats largely opposed it, resulting in sharp partisan division. The debate was further inflamed when Republicans added the 'Save America Act,' which makes voting more difficult, to the bill. This move could complicate the NDAA's passage in the Senate.
