The Senate passed the $895 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with a vote of 85 to 14, sending it to President Biden for final approval.
The bill, which supports Pentagon spending and outlines military priorities for 2025, includes a controversial provision banning certain gender-affirming care for transgender children of military members.
While the bill received broad bipartisan support, some Democrats, including Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Elizabeth Warren, opposed it due to the provision. Despite the opposition, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the bill’s importance for national security and defense.
Key provisions include a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, funding for new warships and aircraft, and a yearlong hiring freeze on diversity, equity, and inclusion positions. The bill also prohibits the Pentagon from supporting critical race theory.
