The House of Representatives has approved a massive $883 billion defense bill, featuring significant amendments aimed at curbing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the military.
This bill, a cornerstone of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024, marks a 3% increase from last year's defense budget.
Today I spoke in support of my amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) before the House Rules Committee. Here are some of the critical amendments I introduced:
1. Female service members are reporting record instances of biological men/transgenders using… pic.twitter.com/NINMvxrxnt
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) July 11, 2023
The bill, which was passed largely along party lines, includes provisions that defund DEI programs at the Department of Defense (DoD), reflecting a growing Republican push against what they view as "woke" policies. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, stated that the amendments were necessary to maintain the military’s focus on its primary mission: national defense.
In addition to targeting DEI programs, the bill includes a record 5.2% pay raise for service members, a move intended to address recruitment and retention challenges faced by the armed forces. The pay increase is the largest in over two decades and has garnered broad bipartisan support.
I've told people for years.
Ban the draft all you want. The instant the politicians want to play war with real people's lives, it'll come rolling right back.https://t.co/i34AT2jTZJ pic.twitter.com/zsSngCfCpB
— Men Are Human (@men_are_human) June 15, 2024
However, the bill's passage was not without controversy. Democrats have criticized the anti-DEI provisions, arguing that they undermine efforts to create a more inclusive and effective military.
Representative Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, warned that these amendments could erode morale and harm the military's ability to attract top talent from diverse backgrounds.
The Senate is expected to take up its version of the NDAA, which may strip out some of the more contentious provisions. Bipartisan negotiations will likely be required to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
This legislative action comes amidst broader national debates over the role of DEI programs in various sectors, including education and corporate America. As the bill progresses, it will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of the proposed changes.
