US senator to oppose defense bill over Iran war, Pentagon spending
Sen. Tim Kaine said Thursday he will oppose the National Defense Authorization Act unless the Trump administration ends its Iran war or secures congressional authorization, citing the bill's over $1.5 trillion in Pentagon funding and a provision to rename the Department of Defense.
US Senator Tim Kaine announced Thursday he would vote against the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027 when the legislation reaches the full Senate, tying his opposition directly to the Trump administration's ongoing military operations against Iran and demanding congressional authorization for the conflict.
The Virginia Democrat serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which advanced the draft bill late Wednesday. He noted that while the legislation contains provisions he supports — including military pay raises, investments in Virginia facilities, and funding for the AUKUS security pact — he cannot back the measure while the administration wages what he described as an "illegal and foolish war" without legislative approval.
'Department of War' provision
Kaine also criticized a provision that would rename the Department of Defense to the "Department of War," calling the proposed change "juvenile" and arguing it reflects an administration that has prioritized military confrontation over diplomatic solutions. "Rather than taking steps to end this deeply unpopular war, this bill rebrands the Department of Defense as the Department of War," he said.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in September directing the name change and has pressed Congress to make the rebranding official.
Call for congressional authorization
The senator has long maintained that Congress must authorize sustained military operations. "But I can't in good conscience vote to advance a bill that helps clear the way for over $1.5 trillion in Pentagon funding at a time when the Trump-Vance Administration is waging an illegal and foolish war in the Middle East that is hurting our servicemembers and crushing Americans at the pump," he said.
"As glad as I am about portions of this bill, I remain laser-focused on ending the Iran War, not rewarding the Pentagon by authorizing a blank check for more of it," Kaine added. "Unless this war ends, or Congress votes to authorize it, I will remain a 'no' on this legislation when it comes before the full Senate for a vote."
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