The House on Friday passed its annual defense spending bill for fiscal 2025 in a 217-198 vote. The $833 billion legislation includes additional F-35 purchases but only one Virginia-class attack submarine for FY25. This decision contradicts the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act and bipartisan pressure from lawmakers on the Armed Services Committee.
The bill would procure 76 new F-35s, exceeding the Defense Department’s request of 68. The House Rules Committee did not vote on reducing F-35 purchases, causing frustration and criticism from lawmakers like Rep. Adam Smith.
The spending bill also defies the Armed Services Committee on Virginia-class submarine procurement for FY25 due to production delays. Lawmakers like Rep. Joe Courtney urged funding for two submarines against the Navy’s wishes.
The bill contains socially conservative policy riders, prompting most Democrats to vote against it. It also omits funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, drawing criticism from Rep. Betty McCollum.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions related to Israel, banning funding cuts and requiring the transfer of withheld weapons. It also eliminates the military’s makeshift pier off the coast of Gaza to improve humanitarian aid delivery.
