The Senate approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Wednesday, granting the Department of Defense $901 billion for the coming year and tightening oversight of the Pentagon’s actions in the Caribbean.
The Bill
The 3,000-page legislation raised troop pay by 3.8% and set the tone for a broad set of policy changes. It passed the Senate 77-20, with 18 Democrats and two Republicans-Rand Paul and Mike Lee-voting against it. The White House said the bill aligns with President Donald Trump’s national-security priorities, even as the administration shifts focus from Europe to Central and South America.
Key provisions demand that the Pentagon supply lawmakers with unedited video footage of recent strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in international waters off Venezuela. The bill also requires the U.S. to keep troop levels in Europe at current levels, authorizes $400 million each of the next two years for weapons destined for Ukraine, and obligates the Department of Defense to keep Congress informed about major strategic decisions.
Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, welcomed the passage: “We’re about to pass, and the president will enthusiastically sign, the most sweeping upgrades to DoD’s business practices in 60 years.”
Boat-Strike Video Dispute
During a briefing on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explained the U.S. campaign that began on September 2, when a Navy admiral ordered a “double-tap” strike that killed two people who had survived an initial attack on their boat. Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley testified before the Armed Services Committees in a classified briefing that also included the strike’s video.
Republican senators largely backed Hegseth’s decision not to release the footage publicly, while Democrats urged greater transparency. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “The American people absolutely need to see this video. I think they would be shocked.” The bill now threatens to withhold a quarter of Hegseth’s travel budget until the unedited video and the orders authorizing the strikes are provided to the House and Senate committees.
Congressional Oversight and Aircraft Transparency
The NDAA sparked objections from the Senate Commerce Committee and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board. The concern centers on a Pentagon waiver that allows military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their precise location-a practice that had been used by an Army Black Hawk helicopter before a midair collision with an airliner over Washington, D.C., in January, which killed 67 people.
To address the issue, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced a separate bill requiring all military and civilian aircraft to broadcast their positions. Chair Ted Cruz said the tragedy might have been avoided if the Black Hawk had been broadcasting. The new bill will now go to the House, and Cruz expressed optimism that it could reach the president’s desk as early as next month. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the administration supports the measure.
Cuts to Diversity, Climate Initiatives and War Authorizations
The legislation codifies President Trump’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the armed forces. It repeals the diversity and inclusion offices, the chief diversity officer position, and other training initiatives, saving the Pentagon roughly $40 million. The bill also cuts $1.6 billion from climate-change-related programs at the Department of Defense.
In a move that signals a renewed congressional role in war powers, the NDAA repeals the 2003 authorization for the Iraq invasion and the 1991 authorization for the Gulf War. Lawmakers argue that repealing these authorizations prevents future abuses and restores Congress’s authority to approve or deny military engagements.
Key Takeaways
- The NDAA authorizes $901 billion for defense programs and raises troop pay by 3.8%.
- The bill requires the Pentagon to provide unedited video of Venezuelan boat strikes and mandates troop levels in Europe and South Korea.
- It includes significant cuts to diversity, climate initiatives, and repeals war authorizations for Iraq and the Gulf War.
The passage of the NDAA reflects a complex blend of policy priorities, heightened oversight, and ongoing debates over transparency and congressional control of the U.S. military.
