Troops will receive a 5.2 percent pay raise.
A compromise National Defense Authorization Act for 2024 has passed both the Senate and House and is expected to be signed by President Biden. Although amendments had been offered to eliminate some of the more progressive provisions of the bill, such as paying for transgender surgeries or for travel expenses to obtain an abortion, the $886 billion bill received approval.
An extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is included in the measure, something that has seen opposition in Congress because of its use to surveil Americans. Ahead of the vote, Representative Chip Roy of Texas said, “We have rampant [FISA] abuses going on. And this body is just going to extend the very mechanism of those abuses on the back of the National Defense Authorization Act.”
Representative Doug Lamborn of Colorado, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said, “It is crucial to pass this bill at a time when global security is threatened. Through the bill, Conservatives achieved major wins and ensured our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our nation.”
The NDAA authorized a pay raise for troops at 5.2 percent and other provisions related to benefits for service members, their health care, and quality of life.
Funding for an independent inspector general for the U.S. military assistance provided to Ukraine was included. President Biden’s administration was also ordered to develop a purpose for unused border wall materials.
“Today’s passage underscores our ironclad commitment to the people who bravely serve our country and their families, and our unshakable resolve to provide for a strong national security and national defense,” said House Armed Services Ranking Member Representative Adam Smith of Washington.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Speaker Johnson and members of the House as they seek to keep America’s defenses strong.
- For the Senate majority and minority leaders as they coordinate appropriations with the House.
- For the president and his advisors as they come to agreements with members of Congress.
Sources: Washington Examiner, Daily Caller
