
House OKs sweeping $1.15T defense bill as Iran war shadows policy
House lawmakers narrowly passed the 1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act, 216-212, advancing a defense policy bill that would raise pay for service members, fund barracks and housing, expand education and childcare for military families, and authorize major weapons programs (aircraft, submarines and destroyers). The measure includes codifying Trump-era orders and tying in associated election-law legislation, with a notable split in votes as bipartisan support was tested amid escalating tensions over the Iran war. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces a tougher path and renewed debate over defense spending and Iran policy.