U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster voted Wednesday to pass a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill that includes funding to cover the escalating costs of President Donald Trump’s war in Iran.
The fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), or H.R. 8800, passed the House in a narrow 216-212 vote. The result represented a collapse of the normally broad bipartisan coalition that traditionally advances annual national security legislation in Congress. Six Democrats supported the measure, while seven Republicans opposed it.
The legislation advanced with Republicans pushing past Democrats, who argued that Congress is failing to restrain the Trump administration’s expansive use of military force.
Webster, a Republican whose district includes The Villages, praised the bill for focusing on military readiness and supporting troops.
“This legislation fulfills Congress’ constitutional responsibility to provide for our common defense by supporting the men and women who serve our country, and investing in the capabilities needed to deter our adversaries and respond to threats,” Webster said in a statement.
According to the congressman’s office, the defense package includes a 5% to 7% pay raise for service members, fully funds military support for the Department of Homeland Security’s border security mission, and cuts nearly $30 billion by eliminating waste and rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The legislation also authorizes nearly $220 billion for next-generation capabilities — such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, hypersonics and space-based technologies — while funding the Golden Dome system, expanding shipbuilding and strengthening nuclear deterrence.