The House passed the sprawling annual National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday in a narrow 216-212 vote, advancing major defense priorities including a Trump administration initiative called the Golden Dome.
Six Democrats crossed the aisle to support the bill, while seven Republicans voted against it.
The legislation raises service members’ pay by 5-7 percent — a significant boost aimed at recruitment and retention during a time of global threats.
“The FY27 National Defense Authorization Act will ensure America maintains the most lethal, most dynamic, most capable fighting force in the world.”
The bill authorizes $56 billion for aircraft development, including next-generation fighter jets and Blackhawk helicopters. Another $60 billion is earmarked for construction and support of three submarines and two destroyers.
The legislation also expands access to education and childcare for military families — quality-of-life improvements conservatives say are long overdue.
House Speaker Mike Johnson framed the bill as a direct answer to growing global dangers.
“In an increasingly dangerous world, we are reminded of President Reagan’s admonition that freedom is not passed along in the bloodstream; it must be fought for and protected so the next generation may enjoy the same level of security and opportunity we have known,” Johnson said in a statement.
“Safeguarding our liberties by providing for our common defense is one of our most basic responsibilities as elected representatives, and this year’s NDAA meets the moment.”
The bill codifies several Trump administration executive orders, including building the Golden Dome — a major defense priority for the president that has received limited public detail but signals a renewed focus on national missile defense architecture.
The legislation now heads to the Senate for final passage, where it’s expected to face a tougher fight given the razor-thin margins.
The narrow vote margin reflects ongoing tensions within both parties over defense spending levels, with some Republicans balking at the total price tag and some Democrats objecting to provisions they say lack proper oversight.
Still, the bill’s passage marks a win for GOP leadership and the Trump administration’s defense agenda — particularly the pay raise and the Golden Dome codification, which conservatives have championed as overdue investments in American strength.
The House passed H.R. 8800 by a vote of 216-212. https://t.co/ARMtK7XYgr
— House Press Gallery (@HouseDailyPress) July 22, 2026
The FY27 National Defense Authorization Act will ensure America maintains the most lethal, most dynamic, most capable fighting force in the world. This year’s NDAA builds on key investments in the Working Families Tax Cuts as Republicans lead the charge to restore America’s…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 22, 2026
