White House says Biden’s signing of House version of NDAA is highly challenging to perceive.

President Biden Unlikely to Sign Controversial National Defense Authorization Act

President Joe Biden is unlikely to sign a version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that mirrors the one passed by the Republican-led House of Representatives. The House’s bill included several partisan provisions that were supported by Republicans but opposed by Democrats. As a result, all but four House Democrats voted against it, despite their support for certain items within the bill.

Some of the controversial amendments in the House bill include changes to the department’s policies on abortion, transgender healthcare, and diversity and inclusion programs within the military.

Senate’s Role in the NDAA

The Democratically-controlled Senate still needs to pass its own version of the bill before a compromise bill can be formed and sent to the president’s desk. However, National Security Council coordinator John Kirby expressed doubt that Biden would sign a bill containing such rollbacks.

“It’s very difficult to see the president supporting legislation that would make it harder for Americans to serve in uniform, and to not be able to do so with dignity, would not be able to do so with the proper care that they need both medical and mental care. It’s very difficult to see that the President would ever, ever sign legislation that would put our troops at greater risk or put our readiness at risk,” Kirby said on CNN.

He further emphasized that Biden is committed to ensuring military readiness and the well-being of troops, and would not support amendments or legislation that jeopardize these priorities.

Controversial Amendments in the House Version

The House version of the NDAA included amendments to halt the Pentagon’s policy of reimbursing travel expenses for out-of-state abortions, end diversity and inclusion efforts within the department, and terminate coverage for transition surgeries and hormone treatments for transgender troops.

The House Armed Services Committee, in a bipartisan manner, voted in favor of bringing the NDAA out of committee to the full House. However, the numerous amendments that were debated and voted on effectively changed the bill’s structure, leading to most Democrats on the committee voting against its passing.

President Biden remains committed to ensuring military readiness and the well-being of troops, and will carefully consider the final version of the NDAA before making a decision.

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