The White House has countered a Republican-led defense bill that targets what GOP members deem "woke" practices within the Pentagon, including drag shows on military bases. The Biden administration defended the Defense Department's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs, criticizing the GOP's efforts to remove them from the National Defense Authorization Act for the 2024 fiscal year.

Specific amendments targeted by the Biden administration include a ban on drag shows in the military, restrictions on funding for critical race theory initiatives, the elimination of the chief diversity officer role, and a measure to prevent DEIA positions from being senior roles. The White House argues that these amendments would undermine crucial elements of the Department of Defense, impacting their ability to recruit and retain diverse talent.

The administration emphasized the importance of a diverse workforce for maintaining a strategic advantage in a complex global security landscape. They stressed the need for varied perspectives, experiences, and skills to maintain global leadership, deter conflict, and ensure national security. Furthermore, they highlighted the Defense Department's commitment to fostering a respectful and safe work environment, asserting that legislation hindering these efforts puts the department at a disadvantage.

Conversely, Republicans argue that the DEIA programs are a distraction from the military's core responsibilities. Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a key figure in crafting the contested amendments, believes these measures are necessary to prioritize national security over social initiatives.

Banks highlighted several amendments passed, including those targeting DEI bureaucrats, prohibiting race and gender quotas in recruitment and promotions, reinstating unvaccinated service members, and ending the Navy's drag queen digital ambassador program. He also pointed to provisions defunding critical race theory courses at military academies and removing the chief diversity officer at the Department of Defense.

Over 1,300 amendments were proposed for the NDAA. The House Republicans are anticipated to address the bill this week. However, given the Democratic majority in the Senate, approval of identical language is unlikely, suggesting a House-Senate conference will be required to reconcile the differing viewpoints.