Final version of the NDAA 2025 bill and public legislative records

House Passes $895 Billion NDAA with 19.5% Pay Raise, Restricts Abortion Access and DEI Programs

Jun 14, 2024, 04:09 PM

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a vote of 217-199. The $895 billion defense policy bill includes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, the largest in a generation. The bill prioritizes military readiness, counters threats from China, and supports military families. However, it also contains controversial amendments that restrict abortion access, eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and block transgender medical care, leading to strong opposition from Democrats who argue that these provisions undermine servicemembers' rights and morale. An amendment by Beth Van Duyne to block the Pentagon’s abortion travel policy was also included. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces further debate and potential revisions.