The Senate on Dec. 13 overwhelmingly passed a $886 billion defense policy bill, sending the measure to the House just a day before lawmakers recess for the Christmas break.
The Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was approved by the Senate in a 87-13 vote after debate on the floor for more than seven hours.
The House is due to vote on the bill on Dec. 14, where it faces opposition by some conservatives over the removal of certain provisions targeting the Pentagon’s “woke” policies in the compromise version of the legislation. Other lawmakers have also taken issue with a provision that grants a four-month extension to controversial warrantless surveillance powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)….
Bipartisan Senate Passes $886 Billion Defense Bill, But House Concerns Loom: A Deep Dive
On December 13th, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in an 87-13 vote, sending the massive $886 billion defense policy bill to the House for consideration just before their Christmas break recess. However, despite the seemingly decisive vote in the Senate, the bill’s fate faces uncertainty in the House due to concerns from both conservatives and other lawmakers.
Conservative Pushback:
Some Republican lawmakers in the House are unhappy with the compromises made in the Senate version of the NDAA, particularly the removal of provisions targeting what they perceive as the Pentagon’s “woke” policies. These provisions primarily focused on restricting diversity and inclusion initiatives, and their absence from the final bill has drawn criticism from conservatives who view them as essential for combatting “politicization” within the military.
Surveillance Concerns:
Another point of contention lies in the bill’s extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This controversial provision allows the government to conduct warrantless surveillance on American citizens in certain circumstances, and its inclusion in the NDAA has raised concerns about civil liberties and privacy. Despite the four-month extension, the future of Section 702 remains uncertain, with calls for reform likely to continue in the coming months.
Beyond the Headlines:
While these two controversies have garnered significant attention, the 3,100-page NDAA contains a multitude of other provisions impacting various aspects of U.S. national security. These include:
- A 5.2% pay raise for military personnel and the Department of Defense civilian workforce.
- Support for Ukraine, including extending the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2027 and authorizing $300 million in funding for 2024.
- Increased funding for naval vessels, combat aircraft, and other military equipment.
- Measures aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
House Vote and Beyond:
The House is expected to vote on the NDAA on December 14th. Whether the bill will pass without amendments or face modifications based on the concerns raised in the House remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, the NDAA’s passage would mark the 63rd consecutive year that Congress has enacted this vital defense legislation.
Additional Considerations:
- The debate surrounding the NDAA highlights the ongoing struggles to balance national security needs with civil liberties and social concerns.
- The bill’s passage, regardless of amendments, sends a strong message of bipartisan support for the US military and its missions.
- The future of “woke” policies and Section 702 surveillance will likely continue to be hotly debated beyond the NDAA vote.
By delving deeper into the motivations behind both the passage and potential opposition to the NDAA, we gain a more nuanced understanding of the complex considerations at play in shaping US national security policy. The bill’s journey through Congress, and its eventual outcome, offer valuable insights into the intricate interplay between politics, ideology, and the ever-evolving threats facing the nation.