The 2027 US defence bill, covering more than US$1 trillion in proposed defence spending, will be one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation when Congress returns after the midterm elections, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The House of Representatives passed its version, the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA), in July. The bill faces a tougher path in the Senate, where a July procedural vote to begin consideration failed after Democrats objected to US President Donald Trump’s military actions involving Iran.