The House of Representatives passed the annual defense policy bill on Friday after a week of voting on over 300 amendments. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allocates funds for military priorities in the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, with the funding later being included in a defense appropriations bill. One of the key features of this year’s bill is a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops.
While the NDAA is typically a bipartisan effort, there was controversy this year over provisions related to diversity, critical race theory, and gender surgeries. Some conservatives argued that removing measures on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) would improve military readiness and address recruitment challenges. Several amendments targeting DEI roles, critical race theory, and gender transition surgeries were passed.
The NDAA authorizes $895.2 billion in military spending, a $9 billion increase from the previous year. The bill aims to enhance the quality of life for service members, with a focus on the pay raise for junior enlisted troops and a 4.5% increase for other military positions. Lawmakers believe that the pay raise will make a significant impact on the lives of service members and help with recruitment and retention efforts.
Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Don Bacon, members of the Armed Services Committee, emphasized the importance of the pay raise, particularly for junior enlisted service members. They expressed frustration over opposition from the Biden administration to the 19.5% increase, highlighting the financial struggles faced by military families, especially in high-cost-of-living areas.
Overall, the passage of the NDAA marks a significant milestone in military funding and support for service members. The bill addresses key priorities in the Department of Defense and includes measures to improve the lives of those serving in the military. Despite some controversy surrounding certain provisions, the focus remains on enhancing military readiness and supporting the men and women in uniform.