The House of Representatives narrowly passed the annual defense policy bill on Friday, with most Democrats opposing the legislation.
Republicans championed the bill as a way to roll back what they perceive as the Biden administration's "woke" Pentagon policies. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is typically a bipartisan bill, passed in a 219-210 vote, with only four Democrats voting in favor, matching the four Republicans who voted against it.
The main point of contention for Democrats was the inclusion of controversial amendments that would restrict the Pentagon's abortion travel reimbursement policy, transgender medical care, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the military.
Democrats accused House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of pandering to the most conservative Republicans with these amendments, arguing that they are more about the "culture war" than about military readiness. Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed concern that these amendments would exacerbate the current military recruitment crisis.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies released a statement opposing the bill, accusing Republicans of hijacking what has historically been a bipartisan effort. They criticized the bill for undermining a woman's freedom to seek abortion care, targeting the rights of LGBTQ+ service members, and banning books that should be available to military families. The statement emphasized that House Democrats prioritize national security over politics and would vote against the bill's final passage.
Republicans, on the other hand, argued that their amendments would refocus the military on its core mission of protecting and defending the country. Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern, leader of the largest conservative bloc in the House, celebrated the passage of the NDAA and its amendments as a victory.
Hern stated that the military had been influenced by what he called "woke ideology" under President Biden's leadership, and that the bill's amendments would address this issue. He emphasized that the military's primary focus should be countering threats from nations like China, Russia, and Iran.
The Senate is expected to consider its own version of the NDAA next week.
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