The House of Representatives is set to vote this week on a significant defense bill, authorizing approximately $900 billion for military programs. This legislation includes provisions that aim to increase pay for service members while also proposing cuts to Pentagon diversity initiatives. Notably, it mandates the release of unedited footage of U.S. forces destroying alleged drug trafficking boats off the coast of Venezuela.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has historically received bipartisan support, outlining the nation’s defense policies. However, this year’s bill faces scrutiny as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confronts backlash over military operations against drug cartels. A compromise bill, unveiled on Sunday by the House Armed Services Committee, incorporates elements from former President Donald Trump’s executive orders while increasing oversight of the administration’s approach to drug trafficking in Latin America.
Key Provisions of the Defense Bill
Among the most pressing elements of the NDAA is a demand from lawmakers for the Pentagon to disclose unedited video footage of military strikes against drug cartels. Lawmakers have indicated they will withhold 25% of Hegseth’s travel budget if this footage is not provided. The congressional committees responsible for military oversight are particularly focused on a strike that occurred on September 2, which reportedly involved U.S. forces firing on survivors of an attacked boat. Legal experts and some lawmakers claim this strike may have violated international laws of war, despite assertions from the Trump administration that the U.S. is engaged in armed conflict with drug cartels.
The legislation also allocates $400 million annually for the next two years to produce weapons for Ukraine. While this funding is a fraction of what Ukraine needs to counter Russian aggression, it represents a renewed commitment from Congress during a period of uncertainty regarding Trump’s support for Ukraine. Additionally, the bill requires the Pentagon to resume intelligence support for Ukraine, which had been paused earlier this year.
Commitment to Allies and Troop Presence
The proposed legislation emphasizes a commitment to NATO and European allies, a significant pivot from the Trump administration’s previous stance. One provision mandates that at least 76,000 U.S. troops and essential military equipment remain stationed in Europe, unless consultations with NATO allies deem a withdrawal beneficial to U.S. interests. Currently, it is estimated that around 80,000 to 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe.
Concerns about troop levels in Europe have escalated, particularly in light of Russia’s aggressive posture. The Army recently announced that the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division will return to its base in Kentucky, with no immediate plans to replace them in Europe. Hegseth criticized previous U.S. policies that he claimed fostered dependency among allies.
Furthermore, the legislation includes a provision for maintaining 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea, reinforcing the U.S. military presence in the region.
Domestic Challenges and Controversies
One notable absence in the bill is a provision to expand coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for active-duty personnel. An earlier draft had included this coverage, which supports military families facing infertility challenges. Rep. Sara Jacobs, a Democrat from California, criticized the removal of this provision by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, calling it a “selfish and callous move.” Johnson has not publicly commented on this matter but expressed support for the NDAA, highlighting the nearly 4% pay increase for service members.
The bill also seeks to officially end the Iraq War by repealing the authorization for the 2003 invasion, a move supported by both the House and Senate. Advocates argue this repeal is essential to prevent future abuses and to recognize Iraq as a strategic partner.
In a further shift in U.S. policy, Congress plans to permanently lift the most stringent sanctions imposed on Syria following the Trump administration’s earlier waivers. These sanctions were initially enacted in 2019 to penalize the Assad regime for human rights violations during a prolonged civil war.
Finally, the NDAA proposes cuts of $1.6 billion to climate change-related initiatives and $40 million by eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the Pentagon. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of these cuts, particularly as climate change poses a growing threat to national security.
As the House prepares for the vote, the outcomes of this defense bill could have significant impacts on U.S. military policy and international relations.
