US House Approves Record $901 Billion Defence Spending Bill

US House Passes Record-Breaking Defence Spending Bill The US House of Representatives has passed a record-breaking defence policy bill authorising $901 billion in annual military spending. The tally in Wednesday's vote saw 312 lawmakers vote in favour of passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with 112 opposing the bill. The bill has now been sent to the Senate for consideration and is expected to pass next week. The record-breaking defence spending for the 2026 fiscal year is $8 billion more than US President Donald Trump requested in May this year. The sweeping 3,086-page bill, unveiled on Sunday, includes typical NDAA provisions on defence acquisitions to compete with China and Russia, as well as measures to address emerging threats from cyber warfare and space-based attacks. The passage of the bill has sparked immediate reactions from lawmakers and defence experts. Republican Representative Mac Thornberry, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, hailed the bill as a "critical step" towards strengthening the US military. Democratic Representative Adam Smith, the ranking member of the committee, expressed concerns over the bill's provisions on military spending, stating that it "prioritises defence over diplomacy". The bill has been in the works for months, with lawmakers debating its provisions on military spending, defence acquisitions, and emerging threats. The Senate is expected to pass the bill next week, sending it to President Trump for signature. If signed, the bill will authorise a record-breaking $901 billion in defence spending for the 2026 fiscal year. The National Defense Authorization Act has been a cornerstone of US defence policy for decades, providing a framework for military spending and acquisitions. The bill's passage is a significant development in the US defence landscape, with implications for the country's military capabilities and global influence.