The Senate has taken a significant step forward in advancing its annual $895 billion defense policy bill, signaling that the legislation is likely to pass despite some Democratic concerns regarding a provision related to transgender care. The Senate voted 63 to 7 to invoke cloture on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), paving the way for a final vote later this week. The House had previously passed the bill with a vote of 281-140, with bipartisan support not as strong as in previous years.
The 1,800-page NDAA outlines how the allocated $895.2 billion for defense and national security will be utilized, representing a 1% increase from the previous year. Notably, the bill focuses on enhancing the quality of life for service members, addressing recruitment challenges, and supporting military families. It includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, improved access to childcare for service members, and job assistance for military spouses.
Furthermore, the NDAA authorizes a 4.5% across-the-board pay raise for all service members starting January 1. While the bill traditionally garners bipartisan backing, this year's emphasis on eliminating certain policies has caused some discord among Democrats. One contentious provision aims to restrict Tricare from covering transgender services for minor dependents of service members, drawing criticism from some lawmakers.
Despite some disagreements, the NDAA includes measures such as deploying the National Guard to the southern border, exploring facial hair allowances for airmen and Space Force personnel, and extending a hiring freeze on diversity, equity, and inclusion roles pending a Pentagon investigation. The bill also excludes funding for climate change programs and restricts Pentagon guidance on climate impact in weapon systems.
House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted $31 billion in savings from cutting inefficient programs and bureaucracy. The compromise NDAA bill, a result of negotiations between Republican and Democrat leaders, sets policy for the Department of Defense, with a separate spending bill required to allocate funds for these programs.
