Another week, another low-key but significant win for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). This time, Johnson steered the annual National Defense Authorization Act to passage on a 312–112 vote, even though the procedural rule squeaked through by a far narrower 215–211 margin. The ability of Johnson once again to produce responsible governance out of a volatile caucus is impressive, even if he frequently relies on Trump administration support to get critical votes across the finish line.

The NDAA sent to the Senate this month contains not only huge wins for President Donald Trump, including a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the War Department, but it also authorized $8 billion more in defense spending than Trump asked for, reforms the Pentagon’s acquisition process, and increases spending for missile and munitions production.