House Approves $831B Defense Bill: America Strikes Back

In a time when our enemies are sharpening their knives and testing the resolve of the West, the House just passed an $831.5 billion defense appropriations bill—one that, despite some internal GOP dissent, marks a significant step toward rebuilding American military dominance after years of Democrat-led decay. The bill, H.R. 4016, funds the Department of Defense through the end of FY2026, with certain investments extending into 2028 and even 2030. And make no mistake: this legislation is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about restoring peace through strength.

Let’s get this straight. Under President Trump, America is reasserting its role as the world’s premier military power. This bill reflects that vision. It includes billions for next-generation aircraft, new submarines, advanced missile defense, and the continuation of Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield—designed to keep America safe from the growing threat of hypersonic and nuclear weapons. As Reagan once said, “We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression.” That principle is alive and well in this bill.

But not everyone in the Republican camp was on board. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Tim Burchett (R-TN) voted no, citing concerns over spending and foreign aid. Burchett bluntly stated, “We’ve got a lot of members that own a lot of stock, and war is good for business.” That kind of candor is rare in Washington, and while his skepticism on spending is valid, we cannot afford to confuse fiscal responsibility with national weakness.

Yes, America’s national debt is sky-high—thanks in no small part to Biden-era spending sprees—but defense is the last place we should be cutting corners. Unlike climate boondoggles or bloated welfare programs, defense spending has a constitutional mandate and a clear moral imperative: to safeguard the lives and liberties of the American people.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s push to strip $1.6 billion in foreign aid from the bill is also worth examining. She’s right to ask why we’re funding other nations when we’re $37 trillion in debt. But let’s be honest: not all foreign aid is created equal. The bill includes $60 million for Israel’s Iron Dome and hundreds of millions more for the Arrow missile system—joint U.S.-Israeli programs that directly enhance our own missile defense capabilities. That’s not charity. That’s strategic partnership.

There’s also $500 million for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. While many conservatives rightly question endless foreign entanglements, abandoning Taiwan would play right into the hands of communist China. This isn’t the neocon nation-building of the Bush years. It’s calculated deterrence. It’s about preventing war, not fueling it.

Now, let’s talk capabilities. The bill includes over $130 billion for procurement of aircraft, missiles, ammo, and combat vehicles. That means more F-35s, B-21 stealth bombers, and continued investment in the Navy’s overdue next-gen fighter, the F/A-XX. The Appropriations Committee didn’t mince words, warning that without the F/A-XX, “the U.S. [risks] being dangerously outmatched in a high-end conflict.” That’s not hyperbole. That’s reality.

The naval investments are equally vital. With over $37 billion for 28 new ships—including Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines, and new aircraft carriers like the USS Enterprise (CVN-80)—we’re preparing for the maritime battles of tomorrow. The Chinese Communist Party is pouring billions into its navy. We can’t afford to fall behind.

Most importantly, this bill reflects a renewed commitment to putting America first. There’s no funding for Ukraine. There’s a ban on sending money to terrorist groups or hostile regimes. No funds for the corrupt UN Relief and Works Agency. And absolutely no support for the Wuhan Institute of Virology or any other adversary-controlled lab. That’s a win for common sense.

The bill even prohibits the use of funds for illegal military cooperation with Mexico unless explicitly authorized by Trump’s executive order clarifying the military’s role in protecting our borders. And it bars any attempt to transfer Gitmo detainees—a direct rebuke to the left’s soft-on-terror posturing.

Is this bill perfect? No. But it is essential. It’s a signal to our troops, our allies, and our enemies: America is back, and we’re not playing defense anymore.

At a time when the world is becoming more dangerous by the day, President Trump and House Republicans are sending a message loud and clear—America will not be caught flat-footed again.

This is what leadership looks like.