The House of Representatives on Wednesday cleared the first procedural hurdle on the National Defense Authorization Act, passing an incontrovertible amendment to the rulemaking of the Annual Military Spending and Budget Act. But the battle continues as Republicans are far from united in tackling issues such as abortion, Pentagon diversity, and Ukrainian funding, all of which could undermine the bill.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is working with Republican leaders to review the remaining defense bill amendments while facing a new test of how to keep the party under control. It also holds meetings and talks with hardliners in the Conservative Party who are pushing for “That completes the first part. You know we have 1,500 proposed amendments.” “It’s going to take a very, very long time to get all of this sorted out,” McCarthy said.
Changes include cancellation of the Military Diversity Program, withdrawal of the Military Abortion Travel Compensation Rule, reinstatement of units that have refused to comply with the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate, and restrictions on funding others. Such as assistance to Ukraine, such as the provision of banned cluster bombs, as well as many other countries.
Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas said Wednesday that House Republicans are still “finding how we can bring it all together and cross the finish line.” “Obviously you know there are many sensitive issues that need to be addressed and addressed,” he said, citing issues such as access to abortion, climate change and the transgender community.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the leadership was continuing talks with right-wing lawmakers, including him. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania on proposed changes. “We’re going through that process. If we can get it done this week, we’ll definitely do it. If it takes longer, we’ll take care of it, right?” Scalise said.
At the weekly Republican conference, Mr. McCarthy warned of proposed amendments that could complicate or slow down the NDAA. Rep. Nancy Mace (Republican, South Carolina) said Republican leaders and lawmakers encouraged the conference to move the NDAA forward.
“All we have to do as a nation is prepare and prepare our defense forces, whether at home or abroad. We have to do this and we have to do this week. And I hope we can do that,” Mace said.
Some Democrats have said they would vote against the NDAA if it included a right-wing amendment. McCarthy said he hopes Democrats will continue to support the bill, and House Democratic leader Pete Aguilar said lawmakers will vote based on their “precinct” and “conscience.” …the details of these guidelines are important.
Besides the NDAA, the House faces an impending government shutdown later this year. Hardline Republicans are already urging Mr. McCarthy to agree to spending limits if he wants to vote on future budgets.