House passes $1.15 trillion defense bill, tees up billions more for Iran war
The House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill this week, marking a shift in congressional procedure. The vote followed a 216-212 split, revealing a collapse in the bipartisan coalition that typically governs national security legislation. While the bill covers annual defense priorities, it also sets the stage for significant additional spending related to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Alongside this defense bill, lawmakers advanced a budget resolution aimed at providing $73 billion in extra funding for the Pentagon and intelligence agencies. This measure passed by a narrow 216-214 margin without support from a single Democrat. The administration requested these funds to cover costs linked to the war in Iran, which has escalated following the collapse of a recent peace deal and the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Passing these measures into law remains a complex challenge. The Senate defense bill currently faces roadblocks as members debate the scope of executive war powers. Republican leadership is weighing whether to bypass a separate Senate vote and move straight into final negotiations for the National Defense Authorization Act to secure passage before the fall.
Internal opposition within the GOP also creates uncertainty for the proposed $95 billion framework. Fiscally conservative members have expressed concern over the lack of budget offsets for the new spending, while others object to using the reconciliation process for defense appropriations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintains that the military faces immediate budget shortfalls due to the conflict, noting that certain training and operational budgets may run out within weeks without further intervention.
This vote comes after 11 consecutive days of U.S. airstrikes in Iran. As the conflict widens to include threats against oil tankers in the Red Sea, the legislative path forward will likely test the limits of executive authority and congressional oversight.