Five contentious amendments making it difficult for McCarthy to pass the NDAA.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Faces Uphill Battle for Bipartisan Support on National Defense Authorization Act

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) may encounter challenges in garnering bipartisan support for the National Defense Authorization Act. The House Rules Committee is set to review several controversial amendments that could potentially deter Democrats from voting in favor of the bill.

Out of over 1,500 proposed amendments, only 300 have been approved so far. On Thursday, committee members will convene to determine which national defense authorization amendments should proceed to the floor, potentially leading to a lengthy debate.

Controversial Amendments That Could Derail Bipartisan Support

Among the amendments up for consideration are topics that have sparked intense political debates, including abortion, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and foreign policy relations with China and Ukraine. These are areas where Republicans aim to impose restrictions or dismantle existing policies, while Democrats view them as “red lines.”

If McCarthy fails to secure the support of Democrats, he will need every GOP vote in order to pass the NDAA. However, some rank-and-file Republicans have already expressed their intention to vote against the bill in its current form.

Here are five controversial amendments that could alienate Democrats and pose obstacles for McCarthy in obtaining enough votes for this crucial legislation:

1. Abortion: One of the most contentious amendments focuses on the Pentagon’s policy that allows service members to take leave for abortion and other reproductive health care services. Hard-line conservatives argue that this policy serves the Biden administration’s agenda. Republican Representative Ronny Jackson introduced an amendment to overturn this policy, gaining support from nearly 50 Republican co-sponsors. Democratic leaders warn that this amendment could undermine crucial support across the party.
2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Several Republican-proposed amendments seek to eliminate Department of Defense policies related to DEI. These amendments aim to prevent mandatory participation in race-based training or support, eliminate DEI offices and personnel within the Armed Forces and the DOD, and prohibit the creation of positions such as chief diversity officer and senior advisers for diversity and inclusion. Republicans argue that DEI efforts distract from military readiness, while Democrats believe that ignoring issues of racism and bigotry will exacerbate the problem.
3. COVID-19: Republicans have proposed various changes to DOD policies regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and information. These amendments include provisions to protect cadets and midshipmen based on their vaccination status, prohibit mask mandates, and require studies on the immune response and health conditions of service members following vaccination.
4. Transgender-related issues: Nine Republicans have sponsored an amendment that aims to restrict TRICARE coverage and DOD provision of sex reassignment surgeries and gender hormone treatments for transgender individuals. This amendment aligns with conservative lawmakers’ concerns about military readiness. Former President Donald Trump implemented a transgender military ban, which was later repealed by President Joe Biden.
5. Foreign policy: Several amendments touch on U.S. relations with China, Ukraine, and Taiwan. These include proposals to strike funding for Ukraine and prohibit security assistance, restrictions on supporting films subject to Chinese censorship, and prohibitions on the manufacturing and distribution of Chinese goods at military exchanges. Additionally, there are amendments that address the use of funds in reference to Taiwan and the wearing of uniforms by Taiwanese military officers during visits to the United States.

These amendments come at a time when tensions between China and the U.S. remain high. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Beijing has drawn criticism from Republicans, who argue that the Biden administration is becoming lenient towards China. Blinken’s statement expressing non-support for Taiwan’s independence has also faced heavy GOP backlash.

As the House Rules Committee deliberates on these controversial amendments, McCarthy will face the challenge of securing bipartisan support for the National Defense Authorization Act.