The Senate has progressed its substantial annual defense policy bill, totaling $895 billion, signaling its likely passage despite some Democratic opposition regarding a provision concerning transgender care. The bill, officially known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), cleared a key procedural hurdle with an 83-12 vote on Monday, paving the way for a final vote later this week.

The House approved the bill last week with a 281-140 vote, although a notable number of Republicans (16) voted against it. Democratic support was significantly lower than in previous years, with only 81 Democrats voting yes and 124 voting no. This bipartisan legislation, spanning over 1,800 pages, outlines the allocation of $895.2 billion for defense and national security, a 1% increase from the previous year's budget.

A key focus of the bill is improving the quality of life for service members, addressing ongoing recruitment challenges. This includes a substantial 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel, improved childcare access, and job support for military spouses. All service members will receive a 4.5% pay raise effective January 1st.

While the NDAA traditionally enjoys broad bipartisan support, this year's inclusion of measures aimed at eliminating what some consider "woke" policies has faced Democratic pushback. A contentious point is the proposed prohibition on Tricare, the military's healthcare system, covering transgender services for minor dependents of service members. This provision has drawn criticism, with some Democrats expressing concern over denying necessary healthcare based on bias. The provision aims to prevent medical interventions on minors that could lead to sterilization. Other proposed measures, such as a ban on funding gender transition surgeries for adults and a ban on mandatory masking, were not included in the final bill.

The bill also addresses border security, authorizing National Guard deployment to the southern border to assist with illegal immigration and drug trafficking. It explores the possibility of allowing Air Force and Space Force personnel to grow facial hair, directing a briefing on the feasibility of a pilot program. Democrats have also voiced disappointment over the exclusion of a provision expanding IVF access for service members, currently limited to infertility related to service. However, the bill retains a provision allowing the Pentagon to reimburse service members for out-of-state abortion travel.

Furthermore, the NDAA extends a hiring freeze on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) roles pending an investigation into the Pentagon's DEI programs. It also prohibits the Defense Department from contracting with advertising companies that "blacklist" conservative news sources. Funding for the Biden administration's "Countering Extremist Activity Working Group" is cut, and climate change programs are not authorized. House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted $31 billion in savings achieved through cuts to inefficient programs and bureaucracy. While the NDAA sets policy, a separate spending bill is required to allocate the funds.