House GOP pushes controversial amendments, jeopardizing Democratic NDAA support.

The House Votes to Advance Controversial Amendments, Threatening Support for Defense Bill

The House of Representatives narrowly voted to advance a series of controversial amendments that could potentially derail support for Congress’s annual defense bill. This sets the stage for a crucial round of votes on Thursday afternoon, where lawmakers will decide the fate of Pentagon policies on abortion, climate change, transgender issues, and more. The amendments have already caused a stir among Democrats, potentially jeopardizing their support needed to pass the full measure.

Five Controversial Amendments Complicating McCarthy’s Job of Passing the NDAA

Republican leaders are aiming to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the end of the week. This annual legislative bill outlines the policy agenda and budget for the Department of Defense. While the NDAA typically receives bipartisan support and easily passes through both chambers of Congress, several hard-line conservatives are using this must-pass legislation to rein in the Biden administration’s agenda. Some have even threatened to withhold their support unless their demands are met.

One of the conservatives, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), has threatened to vote against advancing the NDAA unless her amendment on Ukraine aid is considered. Greene’s amendment seeks to block Ukraine spending until a “diplomatic solution” is reached, rescinding the $300 million in aid authorized earlier this year. She argues that military assistance to Ukraine should be voted on separately, rather than being included in the NDAA.

“Take it out. Hold it in a separate vote because it will pass even with people like me voting no. They can easily put that $300 million on a separate bill, and they’ll have over 218 votes. But why put it in our National Defense Authorization Act that funds our Department of Defense, whose stated mission on their website says their mission is to deter war and protect the national security interest of our country? Giving $300 million to a neo-Nazi army funding a war is not deterring war, and it doesn’t protect our national security interests.”

While Greene’s amendment has been approved for a floor vote on Thursday, some centrist Republicans remain undecided on how they will vote. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) have expressed the need to review the proposal before making a decision.

“We have not utilized all the aid we have provided so far. So, I just would want to see what it would be used for and how much.”

Some centrist Republicans have voiced opposition to certain amendments, arguing that they focus more on cultural issues rather than strengthening national security. As a result, some members have urged their colleagues to withdraw their amendments to avoid prolonged fights on the floor.

On the other hand, some Democrats see the amendment votes as an opportunity to rebuke hard-line conservatives. Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-NC), a military officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee, believes that while stripping Ukraine funding would send the wrong message to Russia and other foreign allies, it could send a strong signal within the House itself.

“I’m actually glad the amendment is going to be offered on the floor because I think it’s going to be crushed. I think it’ll finally send a really clear signal that this Congress is still firmly behind Ukraine.”

The House will continue the debate on Thursday, with a series of votes on the amendments scheduled for later in the evening. The timing of the final passage vote for the NDAA remains uncertain, but GOP leaders suggest it could happen as early as Friday.

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