Congress’ annual Pentagon policy bill passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote Wednesday, but the legislation is causing turmoil within the House GOP over policy changes and an extension to the government’s spying powers.
Democratic and Republican leaders in the House and Senate produced the latest offering of the $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which entitles defense funding and includes a bevy of Pentagon policies.
The legislation looks much different from what was passed by the House during the summer and could derail Speaker Mike Johnson’s intent to pass the bill before lawmakers leave for Christmas.
Some Republicans are frustrated with the stripping of numerous conservative policy riders, like tweaks that would have halted the Pentagon’s abortion policy, gutted diversity, equity and inclusion positions and training in the military, and stopped military benefits from paying for transgender surgeries and treatments.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Minnesota Republican, told The Washington Times that, despite the bill lacking some conservative priorities, it still includes plenty of policy wins, like a 5.2% pay increase for service members.
“There are a couple of provisions that were not included that, as I told our members yesterday, vote for all the good that is in the bill, not for what is not in the bill,” Mr. Emmer said.
Some conservatives begrudgingly support the bill, particularly because of the pay increase for soldiers and advancing the stagnant appropriations process.
“It’s not a touchdown, it’s six yards,” said Rep. Ryan Zinke, Montana Republican. “Take the six yards. At least we’re not punting. It certainly is not going backward.”
Others, including members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, have vowed to vote against the bill because of the choice to include a four-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Lawmakers got into heated discussions over a pair of dueling FISA reform bills that were expected to be voted on this week until Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican, yanked the bills from the floor.
Freedom Caucus member Chip Roy, Texas Republican, argued that it would be a mistake for Mr. Johnson to put the NDAA as-is up for a vote, largely because it would be a continuation of progressive Pentagon policies and could allow for FISA to be extended until 2025.
“No Republicans should vote for this NDAA-FISA bill, and if they do, good luck going out and getting reelected,” Mr. Roy said.
Mr. Emmer contended that while he wasn’t happy with the extension, it was better to not let FISA lapse at the end of the year.
“Some of us are just not willing to let that happen, knowing that the reforms are coming, and if it takes until April, which I don’t think will take that long to get done, so be it,” he said.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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