US House of Representatives Passes $1.15 Trillion Defense Bill

The US House of Representatives has narrowly passed its version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The bill passed by a vote of 216-212 in a vote held on Wednesday (July 22) local time. The vote was largely along party lines. Most Republicans voted in favor of the bill, but most Democrats opposed it.

Democrats objected to the fact that such a large amount of money was being allocated to the Pentagon despite cuts in social programs. According to them, President Donald Trump and the Republicans are cutting social spending on the one hand, while increasing the defense budget on the other.

They also expressed concern about the ongoing war with Iran. According to the Pentagon, the United States has spent $37.5 billion on this war so far.

Republicans, on the other hand, say the huge budget is needed to wage war with Iran, develop new defense technology, purchase military equipment and increase the maximum 7 percent salary of military personnel, as well as build barracks and family housing.

Democrats also object to another section of the bill. It proposes to further expand military-technical cooperation between the United States and Israel. In the context of the massive loss of life of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, many Americans, especially left-wing circles, have been demanding a reduction in US support for Israel.

Source: Al Arabiya