WASHINGTON (Realist English). The U.S. House of Representatives approved an $893 billion defense authorization bill on Wednesday, advancing a measure that sets military policy and funding levels for fiscal year 2026 but exposing deep partisan divisions over social issues and presidential powers.
The bill passed by a 231–196 vote, with only 17 Democrats joining Republicans in support and four Republicans voting against it. The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for service members in 2026, an increase of about 26,000 active-duty troops, and sweeping reforms to the Pentagon’s acquisition system to accelerate new technology for frontline forces.
“This will fundamentally reform the defense acquisition enterprise,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.). “It will continue historic improvements in the quality of life for our service members and their families, and it will build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter China and our other adversaries.”
The measure, however, also contains controversial provisions restricting health care for transgender personnel and limiting abortion services. Democrats criticized the bill as politicizing defense policy. “This is a political exercise stuffed full of culture war asininity,” said Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee.
Despite the clashes, lawmakers reached some bipartisan compromises. A proposal by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to cut nearly all U.S. security aid to Ukraine was overwhelmingly defeated in a 372–60 vote. A coalition of Republicans and Democrats also voted to repeal two long-standing authorizations for the use of military force (AUMFs) dating back to the 2003 Iraq war, which have been used to justify military actions worldwide.
Democratic attempts to curb President Donald Trump’s authority to deploy National Guard units for domestic law enforcement were blocked by GOP leaders. Trump, who had urged lawmakers to consider renaming the Pentagon the “Department of War,” did not see that proposal included in the final measure.
The House bill is about $30 billion below the Senate’s version, which is being debated this week. Lawmakers expect negotiations to begin soon, with the goal of producing a final compromise later this fall.
