In a closely contested vote, the House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a critical piece of legislation outlining defense spending and policy. While typically bipartisan, this year's bill saw significant pushback from Democrats, with a final tally of 219-210. The divide stemmed from Republican-backed amendments targeting what they perceive as "woke" policies within the Pentagon.

The contentious amendments aim to restrict the Department of Defense's coverage of abortion-related travel expenses, transgender medical care, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Democrats argue these additions prioritize "culture war" issues over military preparedness and exacerbate existing recruitment challenges. Republican proponents, however, contend the measures are crucial for restoring the military's core focus on national defense.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy navigated the NDAA to passage with minimal Democratic backing.

Democratic leadership, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, publicly opposed the bill, accusing Republicans of politicizing a traditionally bipartisan process. They criticized the inclusion of amendments impacting access to abortion care, LGBTQ+ service members' rights, and the availability of certain books for military families.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced his opposition to the bill late Thursday. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Republicans, including Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern, lauded the bill's passage as a significant win. They emphasized that the amendments redirect the military's focus toward addressing threats from nations like China, Russia, and Iran, which they see as the military's primary responsibility.

The U.S. military is facing significant recruitment shortfalls across multiple branches. (NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images)

The Senate is scheduled to review its own version of the NDAA in the coming week.