Washington: The US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, allocating a record $1.15 trillion budget for the US military, by a vote of 216 to 212.

According to Qatar News Agency, the legislation saw nearly unanimous support from Republicans, with all but seven members voting in favor, while Democrats largely opposed it, with all but six voting against. The bill has ignited significant debate, particularly concerning its financial priorities.

Democrats have been vocal in their criticism, pointing to the scale of defense spending, especially given the concurrent cuts to social programs. They have also expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing US military operations against Iran, which the Pentagon reports have accumulated costs of $37.5 billion to date.

Conversely, Republicans have defended the bill, emphasizing the necessity of the funding to bolster the armed forces. They argue that the financial backing is crucial for the development of defense systems, military equipment procurement, and improving service members' conditions. This includes proposed pay increases of up to seven percent and the construction of barracks and housing for military families.

With the bill approved by the House, it will now advance to the Senate for further consideration. Following Senate approval, it will be presented to President Donald Trump for his signature, marking the final step in the legislative process.