By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives approved a $901 billion defence bill, marking the largest military spending package in the country’s history. The measure passed with 312 votes in favor and 112 against and was set to move to the Senate for consideration.
The legislation included pay raises for service members, improvements to housing and welfare, and $800 million in military aid for Ukraine over the next two years. It also provided full funding for Israel’s defence programs, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile systems.
However, the bill reduced funding for environmental initiatives and diversity programs by $1.6 billion, reflecting a shift in congressional priorities. Once the Senate approved the measure, it would be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature, cementing a historic increase in US defence spending amid ongoing global security concerns.
The bill allocated $849.9 billion for programs under the Department of Defense, $33.3 billion for defence initiatives run through the Department of Energy and its Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, and $512.4 million for other defence-related activities. The legislation allowed for up to $11.5 billion in discretionary spending adjustments, bringing the potential total to $895.2 billion, with an additional $26.5 billion tied to mandatory programs.
The new version included increased funding to bolster US forces in the Indo-Pacific region, with $15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, aimed at enhancing America’s military capabilities facing China. The spending allocation exceeded the Department of Defense’s request by $5.7 billion.
