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this House of Representatives Despite following a stunning partisan line, Congress’ annual defense bill was passed Wednesday night.
For decades, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has been supported by most Democrats and Republicans. However, things have changed in recent years, and this trend seems to have continued with the FY 2026 (FY) Act.
The legislation passed 231-196, after a long series of votes, with 17 of them in favor of the vote and 192 against the vote. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, DN.Y. and other top Democrats oppose the bill.
Democratic lawmakers spent hours in advance to target Republican-led amendments, mainly transgender issues, including several amendments that successfully voted for the bill.
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Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. and DN.Y. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, DN.Y., filmed in 2024 at the U.S. Capitol. (Getty Image)
For example, multiple revisions by Rep. Nancy Mace, for example, limit restrictions on most along party lines in spaces that trans-service college trainees can access.
R-FLA. Another amendment by Rep. Jimmy Patronis aims to eliminate the preference for cars using electric or hybrid propulsion systems and related requirements from the Department of Defense, but is mostly Republicans – although six Democrats have approved that too.
R-FLA. Rep. Cory Mills proposed an amendment to prevent Pride flags or other ideological banners displayed on military facilities that also nearly passed partisan lines.
Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat of the House Armed Forces Committee, announced Tuesday that he would object to the final passage of the bill if some Republican-led amendments put it in the last section.
Smith also tore up Republicans not allowed to vote only within range Democratic-led amendment All of these bills were filtered when the House Rules Committee considered legislation earlier this week.

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Forces Committee, warned that he would vote against the bill. (Scott J. Ferrell/Congress Quarterly/Getty Images)
“The rules contain many problematic amendments that focus on splitting the subject rather than strengthening our National Security. “If these amendments are adopted, I will vote against the final passage of the bill,” Smith said in a statement.
“For 65 years, the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act has been a shared respect for the need to provide a common defense obligation and put U.S. national security and defense needs above politics. The rule failed to include key issues provided by Democrats to undermine this long-term tradition.”
Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif. There were also earlier oppositions to amendments to transgender issues.
Jacobs said: “Many people in this body receive gender-affirming care. Fillers are gender-affirming care. The work of the chest is gender-affirming.
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Rep. Nancy Mace announced she will run for South Carolina Governor at a press conference in Castle in Charleston, South Carolina on August 4, 2025. (Tracy Glantz/State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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This aroused Mays’ angry response: “This is ridiculous! You are absolutely ridiculous.”
Except dozens of Democrats, including R-Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and R-Ky. Thomas Massie, and four Republicans voted against the bill.
Democrats who voted for the bill include representatives Jared Golden, D-Maine, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-wash. , Don Davis, DN.C., Henry Cuellar, D-Texas and Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas.
NDAA is an annual bill that sets defense and national security policy goals for the United States
The Senate is also expected to consider its own version of the bill, after which the two chambers must compromise and reconsider before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.

Senior News Analyst & National Affairs Writer
Prabhat Sharma is a veteran journalist with over 12 years of experience covering national news, current affairs, and breaking stories across India. Known for his analytical approach and in-depth reporting, Prabhat brings clarity to complex topics and delivers content that informs, educates, and empowers readers.
He is passionate about political transparency, policy analysis, and the evolving landscape of Indian journalism.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading non-fiction, watching documentaries, or exploring offbeat destinations