House Republicans narrowly passed an $895 billion defense policy bill on Friday, sparking controversy with provisions that restrict access to abortion and transgender medical care in the military, and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the Pentagon.
The vote, which was largely along party lines at 217-to-199, marked a significant shift in support for the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Democrats turned against the bill after Republicans loaded it with conservative policy dictates, leading to a dramatic divide in Congress.
Despite the contentious provisions, the legislation includes a 19.5 percent pay increase for troops, quality-of-life improvements for military families, and funding for drone programs and artificial intelligence technology to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The bill also aims to address long-standing issues with military housing facilities, allocating over $800 million for improvements.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike D. Rogers emphasized the importance of projecting strength in the face of complex threats, stating that the bill ensures the military will continue to do so.
Speaker Mike Johnson faced pressure from ultraconservative Republicans to include provisions on culture war issues, resulting in tough votes for more mainstream GOP lawmakers. One such provision, approved on Thursday, overturns the Pentagon’s policy offering time off and transportation reimbursement for service members seeking abortions out of state.
Democrats strongly opposed the measures, with Representative Chrissy Houlahan criticizing the restrictions on medical care for service members and their families. The bill also includes bans on drag shows on military bases, diversity programs within the Pentagon, and coverage for transgender medical care under the uniformed services health care program.
The inclusion of these hard-right policy riders sets the stage for a potential delay in the bill’s enactment, as the Democratic-led Senate is unlikely to support them. The measures are expected to face challenges in conference between the two chambers, and President Biden is unlikely to sign them into law.
Despite the controversy, the bill highlights bipartisan support for national security and military strength, with both parties initially praising the quality-of-life improvements for troops. The focus on addressing housing conditions for service members underscores the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment for those who serve.
