US Congress approves $1.15 trillion defense bill for fiscal 2027

TEL AVIV, Israel — WASHINGTON — The US Congress approved the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027 on Friday, passing the legislation in a 216-212 vote. Most Republicans supported the bill, while most Democrats voted against it. Democrats objected to the scale of the military spending increase and to reductions in funding for social programs. The bill also became a point of contention because the Pentagon has said the war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion to date. The legislation includes a provision expanding military technology cooperation with Israel, drawing criticism from lawmakers who advocate cutting US military aid to Tel Aviv over the war in Gaza. Republicans argued the budget was necessary to support the armed forces, modernize defense systems and raise troop pay. The bill now requires final congressional action before it can be sent to the president.