Kevin McCarthy succeeded in uniting House Republicans to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After days of uncertainty about whether he would get the necessary votes, the Speaker scored another legislative victory. As he wrote, "The Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA, a bill that supports our troops, includes critical provisions that will ensure our military stands ready to face emerging threats."
The legislation passed with 219 votes in favor and 210 against. Four Democrats joined the Republican majority, while four other GOP lawmakers turned their backs on the bill. Don Davis (D-NR), Jared Golden (D-MA), Marie Gluesenkamp (D-WS) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) were the defectors among Democrats while. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ken Buck (R-CO), Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) were the votes against in the Republican caucus.
Mike Rogers (R-AL), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, sponsored the bill, which will now need bipartisan support in the Senate. "The National Defense Authorization Act has been a fundamental part of our national security for more than 60 years. The NDAA provides our warfighters with the resources and authorities they need to defend our nation. This legislation is vital as our nation faces unprecedented threats from our adversaries," the congressman celebrated.
We don’t want Disneyland to train our military.
House Republicans just passed a bill that ENDS the wokism in the military and gives our troops their biggest pay raise in decades. pic.twitter.com/JBkoZxsFiS
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) July 14, 2023
As of Thursday night, it was unclear whether the bill had enough votes to pass. McCarthy had to negotiate at the last minute with the members of the House Freedom Caucus and grant them some amendments that did not go over well with the Democrats.
Taken up to the Senate next week, the NDAA is expected to face several difficulties there if it is to be approved in its current form. The Republican amendments would rescind the Pentagon program that reimburses service members who must travel for reproductive health care, would limit access to gender-affirming care for transgender troops. and would end several diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the Department of Defense.
“Our adversaries will only be deterred by strength. The FY24 NDAA sends a stern message to our adversaries by bolstering our nation’s defense.” Chairman@RepMikeRogersALhttps://t.co/NuOJxxjgUs pic.twitter.com/xz8GsFJvvn
— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) July 14, 2023
Expressly, the National Defense Authorization Act would authorize $874.2 billion in national defense spending, including $841.5 billion for the Department of Defense and $32.2 billion for national security programs within the Department of Energy. In addition, it would provide a 5.2% pay increase for the military.
McCarthy celebrated the legislative achievement and highlighted the most important points of the text. "Specifically, the legislation establishes a new office within our region to expedite weapons systems development, extends an authority that cuts red tape to recruit top talent faster, raises the authorization limit for facility improvements without incurring unnecessary delays, and makes permanent a grant program that addresses significant community infrastructure challenges that support military installations," he said.
"These strategic approaches will allow our bases to attract and retain the talent needed to sustain high-level operations, and I look forward to working with the Senate to pass a final bill that includes these advancements," he added.
