US House Passes $901bn Defence Bill with New Oversight Rules

Post by : Mina Rahman

The US House of Representatives has approved a massive defence policy package worth $901bn for the 2026 financial year, setting a historic benchmark for American military spending. The legislation, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, cleared the chamber with a strong bipartisan majority as 312 lawmakers voted in favour and 112 opposed. The bill now heads to the Senate, where swift approval is expected before it moves to the White House for the president’s signature.

The approved spending level surpasses the administration’s earlier request by $8bn, reflecting congressional urgency to strengthen the nation’s defence posture as global tensions intensify. The nearly 3,100-page bill outlines extensive upgrades across the US armed forces, from modernising weapons systems to expanding strategic capabilities aimed at countering China and Russia. It also guarantees an almost 4% pay raise for service members and funding to improve housing, infrastructure and living conditions on military bases.

A significant portion of the legislation focuses on reaffirming the United States’ long-term commitments in Europe. Lawmakers authorised $400m per year in security assistance to Ukraine for the next two years and restricted the Pentagon from reducing the current footprint of about 76,000 US troops in Europe without prior consultation with NATO allies.

The bill also eliminates or reduces several initiatives criticised by the administration, including $1.6bn in diversity and climate-related programmes, marking a shift in congressional priorities towards core military readiness and strategic capability.

In one of its most forceful oversight measures, the House inserted provisions demanding far greater transparency from the Department of Defense. Lawmakers want detailed disclosures about recent US strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific — operations that have resulted in at least 86 deaths across 22 incidents since September. To ensure compliance, the bill threatens to freeze 25% of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget until unedited footage, operational orders and full briefings are provided to Congress.

The defence package moved forward after weeks of political disputes, underscoring the strained relationship between Congress and the administration over how the military is being managed. Some conservative members argued the bill still maintains unnecessary overseas commitments, while Democrats insisted the Pentagon must face stronger accountability measures. Committee leaders on both sides, however, agreed the legislation is essential to maintaining a capable and ready fighting force in an increasingly volatile security environment.

Senate passage is expected before lawmakers begin their holiday recess, clearing the way for the president to sign the bill into law.