The House of Representatives approved the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, July 23, 2026, in a near-party-line vote that has sparked uproar among lawmakers from both parties.

The NDAA’s passage this year has been complicated by President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in attacking Iran without first seeking congressional approval. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the conflict has already cost $37.5 billion.

Last week, Senate Democrats blocked their chamber’s version of the NDAA in protest of the ongoing war.

Criticism has come from various corners. Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota condemned Congress for authorizing over $1 trillion for the Pentagon while millions of Americans struggle with basic necessities, stating on X that the bill funnels billions to defense contractors instead of addressing working people's needs.

Section 219 of the NDAA, which establishes the US-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, drew protests from Republican representatives. Kentucky conservative Thomas Massie called it "a betrayal of our sovereignty" on X. Far-right Republican Lauren Boebert also abstained from voting on the NDAA due to objections over Section 219.

The bill’s passage highlights deep divisions over U.S. military engagement and defense spending amid ongoing international conflict.

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