Washington— The House’s passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act could face complications due to numerous controversial amendments that risk alienating Democratic support.
One particularly contentious amendment seeks to prohibit the Pentagon from paying for and reimbursing expenses related to abortion services.
CBS News quoted House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, stating that Democrats would oppose the bill if it includes the abortion policy amendment, casting doubt on its passage.
In the Senate, GOP Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has been blocking military nominations and promotions over the military abortion policy, which covers certain abortion-related travel expenses for service members based in states with restrictive reproductive healthcare laws. Tuberville is exercising the hold until the Pentagon or new legislation changes the policy.
Clark also stated that Democrats would fight against other “culture war” amendments to the defense bill, such as cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, and prohibiting federal funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
Additionally, some Republicans want to add language to the bill that prohibits the sale or transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine and cut Ukraine funding by $300 million. However, it is unlikely that enough Republican House members would support stripping the aid.
Washington Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expects Republican leadership to need Democratic votes to pass the defense bill, as a significant number of Republicans are opposed to the changes in Ukraine funding. Republicans will require Democratic support if they can only afford to lose four votes.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of jeopardizing the bill’s passage and emphasized the importance of focusing on national security.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy expressed optimism that the defense bill would pass with bipartisan support by Friday. McCarthy supported the abortion amendment introduced by Republican Representative Ronny Jackson, despite reservations from moderate members of his party.
Republican Representative Nick LaLota, a member of the Armed Services Committee, argued that the amendments should be debated separately from the defense bill to ensure the military’s readiness and avoid risking soldiers’ lives or pay.
Scott MacFarlane and Nikole Killion contributed reporting.
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