U.S. House Okays Defense Bill to Raise Troop Pay, Overhaul Weapons Purchases

The House voted to pass a sweeping defense policy bill authorizing $900 billion in military programs, including a pay raise for troops and an overhaul of how the Department of Defense buys weapons, Stephen Groves and Ben Finley reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Overall, the legislation calls for a 3.8% pay raise for many service members, along with housing and facility improvements on military bases. (Photo: U.S. Army Facebook) 

The bill passed on a 312-112 vote amid increasing friction between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration over military management.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) typically garners bipartisan backing, and the White House has signaled “strong support” for the must-pass legislation, saying it aligns with Trump’s national security agenda.

The bill passed on a 312-112 vote amid increasing friction between the Republican-controlled Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration over military management.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) typically garners bipartisan backing, and the White House has signaled “strong support” for the must-pass legislation, saying it aligns with Trump’s national security agenda.

However, tucked into the more than 3,000-page bill are provisions that push back against the Pentagon, including demands for more information on boat strikes in the Caribbean and support for allies in Europe, such as Ukraine.

Overall, the legislation calls for a 3.8% pay raise for many service members, along with housing and facility improvements on military bases.

It also reflects a political compromise — scaling back climate and diversity initiatives in line with Trump’s agenda while boosting congressional oversight of the Pentagon and repealing several outdated war authorizations.