Six House Democrats broke with their party on Wednesday to help Republicans pass the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, a nearly $1.15 trillion bill that sets Pentagon policy and funding levels. The vote, 216-212, saw most Democrats oppose the measure, but a handful of centrists provided the margin for passage.
The six Democrats—Reps. Henry Cuellar (Texas), Don Davis (N.C.), Jared Golden (Maine), Tony Gonzales (Texas), Adam Gray (Calif.), and Marie Glusenkamp Perez (Wash.)—are known for occasionally crossing party lines, and several face tough reelection fights in swing districts this November. Their support underscores the political pressures on vulnerable incumbents to show bipartisanship on national security.
Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley (Calif.), who left the GOP earlier this year, also backed the bill. Seven Republicans opposed it, reflecting internal conservative divisions over spending and policy riders.
A majority of Democrats voted against the NDAA, citing objections to a provision that would create a U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative at the Pentagon. Critics argue the measure, Section 219, could entangle American forces in Israeli military operations and deepen commitments to a controversial ally. The section also requires the Secretary of Defense to appoint an “executive agent” to oversee the program.
“This tragically merges our military and supply chains with Israel’s,” said Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who led an unsuccessful effort to strip the provision. “Let’s hope this version fails in the Senate because Section 219 is a betrayal of our sovereignty.” Massie’s warning echoed broader concerns among progressives and libertarians about the scope of U.S. defense commitments abroad.
Republicans supportive of the bill dismissed those fears. Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) called it “a tortured reading of the verbiage,” insisting the initiative is purely about technology cooperation. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within both parties over the direction of U.S. defense policy, particularly as debates over an $80 billion Iran war request intensify.
The legislation includes a 5–7% pay raise for service members, expands domestic defense production capacity, and authorizes roughly $1.8 billion for barracks and family housing. It also greenlights about $56 billion for aircraft development, including next-generation fighters, B-21 Raiders, and F-35s.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hailed the bill as a necessary response to global threats. “In an increasingly dangerous world, we are reminded of President Reagan’s admonition that freedom is not passed along in the bloodstream; it must be fought for and protected,” he said after the vote. “And that starts in Congress.”
The NDAA now moves to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. The House’s narrow passage and the controversy over Section 219 could spark amendments or delays. Meanwhile, the cross-party vote is likely to feature in upcoming primary battles, as seen in Arizona’s competitive House primaries, where defense stances are a key dividing line.
