House Passes $886 Billion Defense Bill Amid Conservative Opposition

The National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a 5.2% pay raise for military personnel and extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, now awaits President Biden's signature.

The House passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a vote of 310-118, after it was approved by the Senate. The $886 billion bill now proceeds to the White House, where President Biden is expected to sign it into law.
The NDAA authorizes expanded military partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, structural improvements at Defense Department facilities, a 5.2% pay raise for military personnel, and the procurement of new weapons and missile defense systems.
The bill also extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through fiscal 2027, which the Biden administration has used to support Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia.
Conservative members of the House expressed dissatisfaction with the bill, particularly with the removal of provisions they had added targeting Pentagon policies on abortion, diversity, and LGBTQ+ rights.
The NDAA also includes a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until April 19, 2024, which has drawn criticism from some conservatives.