On the 22nd (local time), the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027 with a vote of 216 in favor and 212 against. Six Democratic representatives voted in favor, while seven Republican representatives voted against it.

From the Republican side, Representatives Josh Brecheen (Oklahoma), Tim Burchett (Tennessee), Eli Crane (Arizona), Harriet Hageman (Wyoming), Anna Paulina Luna (Florida), Thomas Massie (Kentucky), and Chip Roy (Texas) voted against the party line.

From the Democratic side, Representatives Henry Cuellar (Texas), Don Davis (North Carolina), Jared Golden (Maine), Vicente Gonzalez (Texas), Adam Gray (California), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Washington) voted in favor of the bill.

This National Defense Authorization Act expands U.S. defense production capabilities, increases pay for all military personnel by 5-7%, allocates $1.8 billion for the construction of barracks and military family housing, and expands education and childcare support opportunities for military families. The bill designates $56 billion for the development of aircraft, including next-generation fighters, the B-21 Raider, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, F-35s, and Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes over $60 billion in funding for the construction and maintenance of one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, two Virginia-class submarines, and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Additionally, it codifies several of the Trump administration's executive orders into law, including the construction of the "Golden Dome," one of President Trump's top defense priorities.

In a statement, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson declared, "The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act will ensure that the United States maintains the deadliest, most dynamic, and most capable fighting force in the world."

Speaker Johnson stated, "In an increasingly dangerous world, we are reminded of President Reagan’s warning that freedom is not passed down through the bloodline; it must be fought for and defended so that the next generation can enjoy the same level of safety and opportunity that we have enjoyed."

"It starts in Congress. Defending our freedom through measures for our common defense is one of our most fundamental responsibilities as elected representatives, and this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aligns with exactly that purpose," he added.

The bill has now moved to the Senate for final passage.

As the SAVE Act and additional appropriations for the Iran war were included in this National Defense Authorization Act, it is expected to face challenges in the Senate.

U.S. NNP = Representative Reporter Sung-Goo Hong / Special Correspondent for this publication NNP info@newsandpost.com