House passes defense budget bill, repeals war powers laws

The House on Wednesday voted 231-196 to pass a $893 billion defense authorization bill including spending guidelines for hundreds of Pentagon programs. Only 17 Democrats backed the measure, and four Republicans opposed it. The bill is headed to negotiations in the Senate, where it must pass before being sent to the President’s desk.

The bill’s final version did not include previously proposed amendments to cut security assistance to Ukraine, rename the Defense Department, or limit President Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard.

What are some key elements of the bill?

• Raises pay for service members in 2026 by 3.8%

• Includes an amendment to repeal a pair of war powers laws from 1991 and 2002 that authorized military action in Iraq without a congressional declaration of war

• Streamlines acquisition process for new technology and equipment

• Blocks defense funds from use for cross-sex transition procedures or abortions

Why did some Republicans oppose the bill? Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said she opposed the bill after several of her proposed amendments to cut aid and security assistance to other countries were rejected. Rep. Tim Burchett, R- Tenn., criticized the amount of spending authorized by the bill and called much of it unnecessary.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on Trump’s Pentagon speech marking the anniversary of 9/11.