President Biden’s military policies are facing mounting objections, and the Senate is gearing up for a battle over ethics standards for the Supreme Court.
The defense bill takes center stage in Congress as lawmakers return from their Fourth of July recess
One of the critical matters under consideration in the House is the $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a perennial must-pass defense bill. House conservatives are seizing the opportunity to challenge the Pentagon’s progressive social personnel policies by using the legislation as a vehicle. This move sets the stage for a potentially fierce policy fight when the defense bill reaches the floor this week.
The NDAA has already encountered a flood of more than 1,400 amendments since it advanced out of the Armed Services Committee. Progressives have launched a fresh revolt, aiming to block President Biden‘s decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine’s military. Liberal Democrats argue that these munitions violate human rights standards, while the president maintains that Ukraine needs ammunition to defend itself against Russian invaders.
Republicans have introduced various amendments to the defense bill, including measures that prevent funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the military
They also seek to reduce funding for gender transition surgeries and prohibit funding for teaching critical race theory through the military’s education arm. Additionally, Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz has proposed an end to cannabis testing for military personnel.
In another development, a coalition of pro-life groups is urging House Republicans to utilize the NDAA debate to reverse the administration’s policy that allows service members time off and travel reimbursements for abortions. These groups argue that the policy is “illegal” and are calling on lawmakers to repeal it through the NDAA to ensure a clean defense bill moves forward.
With numerous amendments and contentious issues at play, the defense bill is poised to generate intense debates and battles in Congress this week.
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