On Thursday, the House moved quickly on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – approved on Wednesday by the Senate in overwhelming fashion 87-13. The vote in the House faced more opposition but still easily cruised to passage with 310 for and 118 against.
Both of Georgia’s Senators were in favor of the bill but four House members voted against – Reps. Andrew Clyde (R-GA 9), Mike Collins (R-GA 10), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA 14) and Nikema Williams (D-GA 5).
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock noted his long support of the military and the bill’s inclusion of further benefits to surviving spouses of those killed:
“Georgia is a military state—one in ten Georgians is connected to the military. So as a voice for our state in the Senate, and the proud son of a veteran, I’ve been committed to working to advance policies and investments in the annual defense bill that will benefit Georgia servicemembers and military installations, and beyond,” said Senator Warnock. “I’m proud this legislation includes a provision I have been proud to champion—expanding the benefits of surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers. My message to Georgia’s servicemembers and military families is clear: I’ve got your back.”
In the majority of Georgia’s House delegation that voted for the bill was Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA 12), who pointed to the pay increases included and funding for Georgia military installations:
“As our nation continues to face threats from foreign adversaries across the globe, we must prioritize military readiness and ensure our Armed Forces are equipped with the tools necessary to protect the homeland. Despite its shortcomings, this legislation includes important conservative victories, provides a well-deserved pay increase to our servicemembers, and secures critical funding for Fort Eisenhower and the Savannah River Site. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for further conservative wins during the appropriations process.”
Clyde did not mince words defending his vote against the bill, citing its “woke” provisions and several policy disagreements:
“Our nation’s military should be solely focused on maintaining the most lethal fighting force in the world. Yet during backroom negotiations with the Senate, the conservative wins that House Republicans fought for to ensure the Pentagon prioritizes training our warfighters were recklessly removed, while destructive policies that weaken our military were injected into this critical legislation. From taxpayer-funded abortion travel and transgender surgeries to gender and racial ideologies, this year’s NDAA contains numerous woke policies that are rotting our great military from the inside out.
The one lone Democrat, Williams, to vote against the bill cited consistent calls to lower defense spending and needed spending in other areas:
“I have consistently called to rein in excessive defense spending so we can fully invest in our communities. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act brings us closer to that goal, has none of the extremist policies MAGA House Republicans originally attempted to include in the NDAA, and includes my John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act which would promote my predecessor’s legacy globally. Even with this progress, I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that continues to swell defense spending while we neglect investments in affordable housing, education, and nutrition assistance programs.”
To see the full bill and the vote from the House:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670
