WASHINGTON — The House narrowly passed its version of the nation's annual defense policy bill on Friday.
The final vote was 217-199.
Attention now turns to the Senate, where the Senate Armed Services Committee approved its own version on Thursday night.
There is much to like in the Senate Armed Services Committee's FY'25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Regarding quality-of-life improvements, there is a 4.5 % pay increase for all military personnel and a 5.5% hike for junior enlisted E-1 to E-3.
Additionally, there is more than $800 million for Virginia military construction projects including funds for new barracks and childcare development centers.
The Senate Armed Services version of the NDAA would result in just six new battle-force ships for the Navy, the lowest since 2007. But the measure includes an additional $900 million to enhance the industrial base and support the construction of a second Virginia Class submarine to be built in part at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Where things could get messy going forward is the Democrat-controlled Senate's unlikeliness to go along with the Republican-controlled House version of the NDAA.
The House version includes measures to block a Biden administration policy that reimburses service members for the travel costs incurred when receiving an abortion, ban funding to cover gender transition medical procedures, and place Pentagon jobs related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on a permanent hiring freeze.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) said Friday those ideas will probably face skepticism in the Senate.
"My gut tells me the final bill will look more like the Senate version than the House version, with some of the culture war provisions in, but most, not," he said.
On the House NDAA, vote, the Hampton Roads delegation was split.
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia, 2nd District) and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia, 1st District) voted "yes."
In a statement, Kiggans said: “This commonsense legislation authorizes crucial defense programs and significantly enhances our servicemembers’ quality of life."
In a statement, Wittman said: "I am pleased to see Congress pass this critical piece of legislation to ensure the U.S. military is the most effective and lethal fighting force in the world."
But Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia, 3rd District) and Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Virginia, 4th District) voted "no."
In a statement, Scott said: “Unfortunately, Speaker Mike Johnson and the extreme MAGA Republicans played politics with our servicemembers and national security."
In a statement, McClellan said: "MAGA Republicans used this must-pass legislation as a vehicle to wage their culture wars and advance poison pill policy riders."