Congress Approves $886 Billion Defense Bill with Historic Pay Raise for Troops

Congress has passed a comprehensive $886.3 billion defense policy bill for fiscal year 2024. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) marks a notable increase in defense spending by $28 billion, or approximately 3%, from the previous fiscal year. This legislation, spanning nearly 3,100 pages, now awaits President Joe Biden's signature.

Key Provisions of the NDAA

The NDAA sets the policy agenda for the Department of Defense and the U.S. military, authorizing spending in alignment with Pentagon priorities. It does not, however, appropriate funding.

Service Members' Support

• The bill proposes a 5.2% increase in basic pay for service members, the largest in over two decades.
• It includes a monthly bonus for junior enlisted members and adjusts the Basic Allowance for Housing to better reflect rising rents.
• The Basic Needs Allowance is expanded to assist low-income service members with families.
• An additional $38 million over the requested budget is allocated for new family housing, and $356 million over the request for renovating and constructing new barracks.
• Military spouses would receive expanded reimbursements for relicensing or business costs when relocating.
• Childcare expenses for military families are reduced, and $153 million over the requested budget is authorized for new child care centers.

Health and Wellness Initiatives

• The Department of Defense is authorized to fund clinical trials using psychedelic substances and cannabis for treating post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.

Warrantless Surveillance Extension

• The bill includes a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, allowing warrantless surveillance of foreign nationals using U.S.-based communication services.

Indo-Pacific Region Focus

• $14.7 billion is authorized for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter Chinese aggression.
• The AUKUS agreement implementation between the U.S., U.K., and Australia is enabled, including the eventual sale of nuclear-capable submarines to Australia.
• The Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative is established to increase the frequency and scale of exercises conducted by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Addressing 'Wokeness' in the Military

• The bill prohibits funding for teaching, training, or promoting critical race theory in the military.
• It puts a hiring freeze on diversity, equity, and inclusion positions pending a Government Accountability Office investigation.
• A Parents Bill of Rights is included, giving parents rights regarding their children's education in Department of Defense schools.
• Funding is prohibited for drag shows, Drag Queen Story Hours, or similar events at military installations.

Assistance for Unvaccinated Service Members

• The defense secretary must inform the 8,000 service members discharged for not receiving the Covid-19 vaccine about the reinstatement process.
• Service lapse due to discharge is treated as a "career intermission," ensuring no impact on future promotions.
• Requests to correct personnel files for discharged members to receive full retirement benefits are required.

Contentions and Criticisms Notably absent from the bill are controversial provisions related to abortion and transgender health care access. The final version excludes the House defense policy bill's earlier provisions that would have prohibited defense secretary-funded abortion services and barred hormone treatments and gender confirmation surgeries for transgender individuals.

Senate Republicans continue to debate a separate $105 billion national security package, seeking to pair more foreign aid with significant border security policy changes. However, no bipartisan agreement has been reached.

In response to the bill, President Biden criticized House Republicans for wasting time on what he termed a "baseless political stunt." In contrast, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) emphasized the responsibility and seriousness with which the inquiry is being conducted.

Looking Ahead The NDAA sets a clear direction for U.S. defense and military policy, emphasizing increased support for service members, a focus on the Indo-Pacific region, and a commitment to national security. Its passage reflects a significant step in shaping the future of the U.S. military and its global defense strategy.