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The House is expected to vote Wednesday on a $900 billion defense policy bill as lawmakers in both chambers work to finalize the annual measure before the end of the year.
The 3,086-page compromise legislation, released Sunday, authorizes roughly $8 billion more than the Trump administration requested and outlines major shifts in defense, border and foreign policy. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill advances the administration’s national security agenda by codifying numerous executive orders, restricting diversity programs at the Pentagon and expanding border-related authorities.
“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act helps advance President Trump and Republicans’ Peace Through Strength Agenda,” Johnson said in a statement, touting provisions that would deploy active-duty troops to the southern border, prohibit Defense Department DEI programs and establish a “Golden Dome” system intended to counter aerial threats.
The must-pass bill has traditionally drawn broad bipartisan support. But internal disputes surfaced as the final text came together. Last week, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., publicly criticized Johnson over a provision requiring the FBI to notify Congress when it opens counterintelligence investigations into federal candidates. The measure was ultimately added after her objections.
Johnson has also faced criticism from both parties after negotiators removed a provision to expand IVF coverage for military families.
Under the bill, all service members would receive a 3.8% pay raise. The legislation also bars transgender women from participating in women’s athletic programs at military service academies, reflecting a cultural issue Republicans have pushed in recent years.
Foreign policy provisions drew mixed reactions within the GOP conference. The bill provides $400 million in military aid to Ukraine in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, a point of contention for some conservatives who oppose further assistance.
Another provision would hold back 25% of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office travel budget until the Pentagon submits overdue reports — including on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine — and turns over unedited footage of U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela.
“That was a bipartisan shot across the bow to Donald Trump to hand over the tapes,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday.
The measure includes several long-sought repeals, including the 1991 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force in Iraq. Lawmakers from both parties have argued that keeping the authorizations in place gives presidents overly broad war-making authority. Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Todd Young, R-Ind., praised the repeals, saying it was time to “close the book” on those conflicts.
The bill also repeals sanctions under the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and restricts the administration’s ability to reduce troop levels in Europe.
The House Rules Committee advanced the bill Tuesday, clearing the way for a floor vote. GOP leaders can afford only a small number of defections when the rule comes to the floor. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has vowed to oppose the legislation over foreign aid provisions, and Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., signaled concerns about what he sees as Democratic policy wins. But some Democrats are expected to support final passage.
If approved by the House, the bill will move to the Senate for a vote before heading to the president’s desk.
