U.S. Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act for 64th Consecutive Year
The U.S. Senate has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), setting policy for the Pentagon, for the 64th straight year, sending it to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature. The bill, which is one of the few major bills that becomes law every year, is used as a vehicle for a range of initiatives, some more directly related to the military than others.
Notable provisions of the 1800-page Fiscal 2025 NDAA include:
* A ban on the military health program, TRICARE, from covering some gender-affirming care for the transgender children of service members, which has been criticized by groups supporting transgender rights.
* $300 million to help Taiwan acquire capabilities from anti-ship missiles and radars to coastal and missile defense, and measures to enhance diplomatic and economic backing for Taiwan, aimed at countering China, the biggest geopolitical threat to the United States.
* $500 million for U.S.-Israel missile defense, including funds for Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems, as well as increased funding for U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling cooperation.
* Authorization for an unusually high 14.5% pay increase for the lowest-ranking troops, and 4.5% for the rest of the force, as well as funding for military housing and child care benefits to improve quality of life for service members and their families.
