The United States House of Representatives has approved a historic $901 billion defense spending bill for the 2026 fiscal year, marking the largest military budget in US history. The legislation, part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed on Wednesday with 312 votes in favor and 112 against and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

The $901 billion allocation exceeds the $893 billion requested by President Donald Trump in May and reflects ongoing congressional support for bolstering the US military’s capabilities amid rising global tensions with rivals such as China and Russia.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The sprawling 3,086-page NDAA includes:

• A 4% pay raise and improvements to military housing for US troops.
• $400 million in military aid to Ukraine annually for the next two years to counter Russian aggression.
• A mandate for the Pentagon to maintain at least 76,000 troops in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted.
• Enhanced oversight provisions requiring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide detailed reports on recent US military strikes against alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

However, the bill also cuts programs championed by Trump, including $1.6 billion for initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion and climate-related projects.

Congressional Debate and Oversight

While the NDAA typically enjoys broad bipartisan support, this year’s process was marked by tensions between the Republican-controlled Congress and the Trump administration over military management.

Republican Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, stressed the need for a “ready, capable and lethal fighting force”, citing threats from China as particularly significant.

Top Democrat Adam Smith acknowledged the bill does not fully rein in the Trump administration but described it as “a step in the right direction” toward restoring Congressional authority over military operations.

Focus on Military Transparency

The NDAA also pushes for greater accountability regarding US military operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, which have killed at least 86 people across 22 strikes since September 2025. The bill threatens to cut 25% of Secretary Hegseth’s travel funding if the Pentagon does not disclose full details of these operations, including unedited footage and operational orders.

Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna in Washington noted, “This is a very strong move by the House forcing the defense secretary to provide full details of these attacks,” highlighting congressional concerns over the legality and transparency of the operations.

The legislation is expected to pass the Senate next week and be signed into law by President Trump, completing the largest US military budget in history.