The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed both chambers of Congress and is headed to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

The $886 billion spending bill is a three percent increase over last year’s spending level. It authorizes $842 billion for the Department of Defense (DOD), $32 billion for the Department of Energy (DOE), with the rest scattered for national security programs at other agencies. It also includes a 5.2 percent raise for U.S. servicemembers which is the largest in more than two decades and an increase in military housing allowance.

While the legislation authorizes the spending, it is up to Congress to appropriate the money.

The nearly 3,100-page legislation (H.R. 2670) easily cleared the Senate. It cleared the House 310-118 as Republican leadership passed it with significant assistance from Democrats. In fact, more House Democrats (163) than Republicans (147) voted for the legislation. 

More conservative Republicans were upset the bill preserved the DOD abortion travel policy, which allows servicemembers who travel across state lines for an abortion to be reimbursed for travel expenses and that it failed to restrict funding for gender-affirming case for transgender service members. However, Republicans did manage to freeze hiring for diversity and inclusion training in the military until a full accounting of the program is made to Congress.

Expanded Leave for Veteran Feds

Congress continued its streak in expanding paid leave benefits for federal workers and military servicemembers.  The legislation includes a provision that expands paid leave access for veterans who transition from active duty into a federal civilian position.  

The bipartisan amendment was sponsored by Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Chris Smith (R-NJ).

“Providing family medical leave benefits to federal employees is one of Congress’ more significant legislative accomplishments over the past several years,” Rep. Bacon said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Congressman Beyer supporting veterans who choose to enter the federal workforce by crediting their past military service toward their family and medical leave eligibility requirements.”