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House Narrowly Passes $1.1 Trillion Pentagon Policy Bill Along Party Lines

On July 22, 2026, the House approved the National Defense Authorization Act, 216-212, authorizing about $1.1 trillion for the military and setting up a Senate test over war and spending limits.[1]

The final roll call was 216 to 212, with six Democrats joining all Republicans to secure passage.[1] The bill is tied to a broader $1.15 trillion discretionary-spending framework that many Democrats have criticized as too austere for domestic priorities.[1] Senators face an uncertain path because Democrats already blocked an earlier version while seeking legal limits on President Trump's Iran war authorities.[1]

The bill was advanced to lock in weapons programs, troop pay and other defense priorities before the chamber's recess.[1] The package also includes new limits on certain stock trades by members of Congress, an ethics reform element that helped draw some crossover support.[1]

With the Senate unresolved, the bill's fate will hinge on negotiations over war limits and spending caps when senators return.

  1. NPR
Congressional Defense Policy Iran War
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📌 Key Facts

  • On July 22, 2026, the House approved the National Defense Authorization Act 216-212, with six Democrats joining Republicans.
  • The legislation authorizes about $1.1 trillion for the military and is part of a broader $1.15 trillion discretionary-spending framework criticized by Democrats.
  • The bill faces an uncertain path in the Senate, where Democrats have already blocked an earlier version while seeking limits on President Trump's Iran war effort.

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