Disagreements among House Republicans regarding the inclusion of amendments addressing social policies within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) have created a hurdle in passing the crucial defense policy bill. Over 1,500 amendments were proposed for this year's NDAA, with many from the GOP aiming to eliminate Pentagon policies on abortion, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The decision to temporarily set aside these contentious amendments has fueled internal tensions, raising concerns about the bill's ultimate passage.
Representative Don Bacon expressed apprehension about the potential impact of these ideologically driven amendments on the bill's success, emphasizing the need for collaboration and prioritizing national defense. He cautioned against individual members prioritizing "pet amendments" over the collective goal of passing the bill. Some Republicans share this concern, arguing that these amendments could alienate Democratic support, which is crucial given the narrow Republican majority.
Conversely, Representative Andy Biggs defended the relevance of these amendments to the NDAA, asserting that since the military is implementing these programs, the NDAA, which funds the military, is the appropriate venue for addressing them. He confirmed that amendments targeting the Pentagon's abortion travel policy and transgender healthcare coverage would be considered in a separate set of amendments. Representative Nancy Mace criticized the amendment concerning abortion travel reimbursement, highlighting its impact on women seeking medical procedures and advocating for a compassionate approach.
Amidst the internal discord, described as a "titanic mess" by a senior GOP aide, Majority Leader Steve Scalise outlined the agreement reached with Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry regarding the NDAA negotiations. He confirmed that approximately 290 amendments had been agreed upon and would be debated and voted on. Discussions regarding the remaining amendments are ongoing.
