Trump's Golden Dome, B-21 Bombers, New Submarines and More Win Funding as House Narrowly Approves $1.15 Trillion Defense Package
The House narrowly passed a nearly $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a 216-212 vote, approving billions in funding amid escalating military spending and the war in Iran.
On Wednesday, the funding package was passed for military modernization, weapons programs, pay raises, housing, and President Donald Trump‘s Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
The legislation allocated $56 billion for aircraft programs, including next-generation fighter jets, B-21 Raider bombers, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, F-35 fighter jets, and Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters. It also authorizes more than $60 billion to build and support a fourth Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, two Virginia-class submarines, and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Lawmakers adopted an amendment by Rep. Andy Biggs that would cut the Pentagon’s budget by 0.5% if any part of the Defense Department fails an audit, with the savings directed toward reducing the federal deficit.
The measure was passed by a narrow 216-212 vote, with six Democrats supporting it and seven Republicans opposing it. It now heads to the Senate after being paired with the SAVE Act.
War Funding Plan Draws Criticism
The development comes after the Pentagon raised its estimated cost of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran to $37.5 billion, up from $29 billion in May, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a request for nearly $70 billion in supplemental war funding before the Senate.
Hegseth told lawmakers that the funding request is an urgent investment needed to cover operations through September, warning that without it the military would face critical shortfalls.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) slammed Hegseth’s demand as “completely and utterly fiscally irresponsible," in an interview on Tuesday. He argued that America’s growing national debt poses a greater threat than Iran, warning that currency devaluation is a bigger national security risk. He also criticized the conflict with Iran as unconstitutional, saying Congress never authorized the war as required by the Constitution.
The measure could signal a multi-year revenue opportunity for U.S. defense contractors, creating a sustained pipeline of defense spending, including Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT), RTX Corp (NYSE:RTX), The Boeing Co(NYSE:BA) and Northrop Grumman Corp(NYSE:NOC).
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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