White House labels House-approved defense spending bill as an extreme right-wing agenda.

The White House Denounces House-Passed National Defense Authorization Act

The White House has strongly criticized the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act, referring to it as a “rightwing wishlist.” Deputy press secretary Andrew Bates expressed concern about the bill’s impact on the United States military and its service members, stating that it was holding them “hostage.”

“Holding America’s military readiness — as well as service members and their families — hostage to an extreme, divisive political agenda undermines our national security and disrespects the sacrifices that those who wear the uniform,” Bates said. “That’s what House Republicans, Senator Tuberville, and Senate Republicans who refuse to challenge him are doing by hijacking a bipartisan bill and devolving it into a hardcore rightwing wishlist.”

Bates specifically mentioned Senator Tommy Tuberville’s protest move of blocking staff and general officer nominations and promotions in response to the Pentagon’s controversial abortion policy. House Republicans joined Tuberville in adding a clause to this year’s NDAA that would remove the policy.

“President Biden stands with the overwhelming majority of the American people who believe our military capabilities should never be endangered, especially not in furtherance of radical agendas meant to tear Americans apart for political gain,” Bates added. “Harm to every service branch is mounting daily. It’s imperative for congressional Republicans to put country over party.”

This accusation of taking the military hostage has been an ongoing attack against Tuberville by the White House and Department of Defense. Tuberville argues that the fault lies with the Pentagon, as they implemented the policy without the consent of Congress, which he believes is illegal.

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