The House of Representatives just passed the mammoth $858 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual must-pass bill setting out defense spending levels.
The NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. It also authorizes funding for other defense-related programs, such as the Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons program and the National Guard.
So what’s in the bill? And what was left out?
Overview of the National Defense Authorization Act
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual must-pass bill setting out defense spending levels. This year, it authorizes $858 billion in funding. Here's a breakdown of what the bill includes and what was left out.
The NDAA is a massive piece of legislation. It's over 2,000 pages long and covers everything from troop levels to military pay to weapons procurement programs. This year's bill authorizes $858 billion in funding, which is a significant increase from the $717 billion authorized in last year's NDAA.
One of the biggest changes in this year's NDAA is the authorization of $686 billion for the Pentagon's base budget. That's a $74 billion increase from last year's base budget. The bill also authorizes $18 billion for emergency war funds, which is a decrease from the $24 billion authorized in last year's NDAA.
So what does all that money go towards? The NDAA includes funding for a wide range of military programs, including new fighter jets, ships, and artillery systems. It also includes money for training and development programs, as well as for increasing pay and benefits for troops.
But not everything made it into the final version of the bill. For example, the House version of the NDAA included a provision that would have repealed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but that provision was left out of the final version of the bill.
Details on the Spending Increase
The House of Representatives just passed the mammoth $858 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual must-pass bill setting out defense spending levels. The bill increases spending by $80 billion over the current budget, and authorizes $686 billion for the Pentagon base budget and another $172 billion for nuclear weapons programs.
So what does this mean for the average American taxpayer?
Well, for starters, it means that our already high national debt will continue to spiral out of control. It also means that critical domestic programs like food stamps, healthcare, and education will continue to be slashed.
Lastly, it means that we will continue to spend more on defense than any other country in the world, while our infrastructure crumbles and our people go hungry.
What the NDAA Means for U.S. Defense
So, what does the NDAA mean for U.S. defense?
Well, for starters, it means that the Pentagon will get a massive influx of cash—$607 billion, to be precise. This is good news for the military-industrial complex, as it will allow them to continue production of weapons systems like the F-35 fighter jet and the Virginia-class submarines.
However, there are some who argue that the NDAA doesn't go far enough. For example, it doesn't provide enough funds for troop training and maintenance, which could have serious consequences down the line.
Important Provisions Left Out of the Bill
There were a few important provisions left out of the bill, including:
- Funding for a new missile defense system
- An increase in military benefits
- An extension of the current limit on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads
These provisions were left out due to objections from Democrats, who wanted to keep the bill focused on funding for basic defense needs.
The Impact on U.S. Military Personnel
The NDAA includes a 1.4% pay raise for military personnel, which is in line with the private sector. This will help to improve retention rates and attract new recruits. In addition, the bill increases funding for housing and childcare, and expands mental health care benefits. These are all important investments in our military personnel, and will go a long way towards ensuring their well-being.
Expected Reactions From World Leaders
As expected, world leaders are reacting to the news that the United States House of Representatives has passed legislation authorizing $858 billion in national defense funding. The total includes $847 billion for the Pentagon and nuclear weapons research.
This is a clear message to the world that America is committed to maintaining its military superiority
Conclusion
So, what's in the NDAA? Glad you asked. The bill funds a wide range of defense spending, including nuclear weapons, the Pentagon, and military construction. It also includes a number of controversial provisions, such as a repeal of the ban on transgender people serving in the military and $716 billion for the Department of Defense.
Notably, the bill does not include money for President Trump's proposed border wall or additional funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
So, what's out? Money for the border wall, funds for ICE, and a number of other controversial measures.
It's worth noting that the NDAA is just a starting point for negotiations. The bill is likely to change substantially as it moves through the Senate.
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