Congress Approves Massive Defense Bill with Mixed Feelings

On Wednesday, the House passed the yearly defense policy bill — the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — with a bipartisan vote of 281-140. The bill, worth $883. 7 billion, includes a pay raise for military members and controversial amendments. One hotly debated provision restricts healthcare funds for gender-affirming care for dependents of service members. Democrats and some Republicans criticized this addition, with some Democrats concerned it could hurt military recruitment. Despite these issues, the bill is now headed to the Senate for consideration. The NDAA also limits the creation of new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions within the Defense Department. Republicans have argued that such efforts distract the military from its main focus. Other provisions include bans on partnerships with vendors boycotting Israel and advertising firms that blacklist conservative news. The bill also aims to strengthen the U. S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region and establish a Taiwan fund similar to a Ukraine initiative. Notably, some Republicans believe the provision restricting gender-affirming care will be moot under the incoming Trump administration. However, it remains to be seen how the Senate will handle this and other contentious amendments. The defense bill must be signed into law every year, making it a crucial piece of legislation.