House panel backs historic $1.15T defense bill with pay raises and housing changes

The House Armed Services Committee advanced the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, proposing a $1.15 trillion defense budget—the largest ever—and pay raises of 7% for E-5 and below, 6% for E-6 to O-3, and 5% for O-4 and above, along with a 40,100 active-duty end-strength increase. It would change Basic Housing Allowance calculations by excluding base housing from eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, and it includes health care, child care, and oversight provisions, plus controversial amendments to rename the DoD as the Department of War and to revert base names. The bill now heads to the House floor, with Senate action expected later.