[Discussion] House Passes $895B Defense Bill Amid Cultural Clash

[Uncrowned Guard]

U.S. House Approves Record $895 Billion Defense Policy Bill

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an $895 billion defense policy legislation, has received bipartisan backing in the U.S. House of Representatives, with 281 votes in favor and 140 against. The measure will now advance to the Senate, as the end of this month's deadline to finalize the legislation approaches.

The annual NDAA plays a foundational role in shaping U.S. defense policy. It proposes a 14.5% salary increment for entry-level enlisted personnel and a 4.5% pay growth for all other military staff. It also allocates resources for several strategic projects, such as the acquisition of seven warships, 200 aircraft, and over 300 vehicles. Additional provisions aim to enhance the U.S. military profile in the Indo-Pacific region and bolster Taiwan's security through a novel arms procurement scheme.

Controversial Aspects Draw Criticism

Despite the NDAA's historic bipartisan support, this year's rendition faced opposition due to several disputed socio-cultural clauses. One such provision prevents the use of TRICARE funds for gender-affirming healthcare for military members' dependents aged under 18.

Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the lead Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, objected to the legislation, arguing that such exclusions based on transgender bias amounted to unjust healthcare denial. Other contentious amendments limit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the Department of Defense and prohibit Pentagon contracts with vendors that disfavor Israel or conservative news platforms.

While acknowledging these troubling aspects, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) did not instruct Democrats on their voting choices, emphasizing that the bill also advanced critical military priorities. On the other hand, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended the cultural clauses, arguing that they eliminated "woke" Pentagon policies.

Democratic Senate to Decide Bill's Fate

The NDAA now awaits scrutiny by the Democratic-led Senate, where opposition to contentious amendments could ignite further debates. Senate GOP Whip John Thune (S.D.) suggested that the Senate might discuss the NDAA early next week, although its final provisions remain uncertain.

The legislation underscores the growing discord surrounding military preferences and societal norms. Amidst these societal debates, the NDAA declares bipartisan tactics to confront global threats, such as expanding U.S. capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, funding a Taiwan defense program modeled off the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and strengthening cybersecurity.

Yet, the passage of the NDAA in the House is just the initial stage as distinct appropriation bills must be endorsed to secure necessary funding for Pentagon operations in the fiscal year 2025.

Ukrainian Aspects of the Defense Bill

The recent defense budget approved by the House of Representatives excluded a provision to prolong the lend-lease act for Ukraine, despite Ukrainian diplomats' attempts. The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, which was passed in May 2022 but ceased in September 2023 without implementation, allowed the U.S. president to lend or lease arms to Ukraine, bypassing congressional bureaucracy.

However, the elected President Donald Trump has hinted at decreased support for Kyiv after January, sparking a swift arms delivery by the outgoing Biden administration using the remaining $4-5 billion in the presidential drawdown authority.

The defense bill lacked funds for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) 2025, as previous budget allocations already provided $300 million. The USAI, led by the Pentagon, contracts arms supplies to Ukraine through U.S. defense organizations.

The legislation includes measures barring the use of finances for activities that can result in recognizing Russian occupation in Ukraine and requesting a multi-department report on Moscow's funding of international terrorism. The support for Ukraine may encounter increasing hurdles as the Republican Party has retained control over the House and secured a Senate majority in the recent elections.

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