US Senate Approves Defence Bill Authorising Troop Pay Increase, Aims to Counter China’s Influence

The US Senate has passed a defence bill authorising significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, increasing military spending to $895 billion, and introducing measures to counter China’s growing influence. 

However, the legislation also includes contentious provisions, such as stripping military health coverage for gender-affirming care for children under 18, sparking criticism from Democrats and advocacy groups.

The annual National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which passed 85-14, now heads to President Joe Biden for approval. While typically bipartisan, this year’s bill became a battleground for cultural issues after Republicans added provisions targeting transgender healthcare and diversity initiatives in the military.

The legislation provides a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted members and a 4.5% increase for other service members, addressing long-standing financial challenges faced by military families. It also includes quality-of-life improvements, such as enhanced childcare, housing, and spousal employment support, which lawmakers say are essential to reducing reliance on food banks and government aid.

Beyond pay raises, the bill directs significant resources to counter China’s influence. It establishes a fund for military aid to Taiwan, invests in artificial intelligence and ammunition production, and bans the use of Chinese-made products in the military, including drones and goods as unlikely as garlic. These measures prompted a dismissive response from China, with its foreign ministry labelling the bans as “laughable.”

Republican leaders, including Senator Roger Wicker, argue that the bill’s 1% increase in defence spending is insufficient amid global security challenges. They plan to push for further increases should they gain control of Congress and the White House next year.

Democratic lawmakers voiced concerns about the inclusion of cultural provisions. Senator Tammy Baldwin, who typically supports the NDAA, voted against it, citing the impact on thousands of military families with transgender children. The bill prohibits TRICARE from covering treatments for gender dysphoria in minors that could result in sterilisation.

Mike Zamore, policy director at the American Civil Liberties Union, called on Biden to veto the bill, arguing it forces service members to choose between their careers and the healthcare needs of their children. 

However, other Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, supported the legislation, highlighting its focus on countering China’s influence and improving military readiness.

The final version of the bill excludes some of the more controversial measures proposed by House Republicans, such as ending reimbursements for service members travelling for abortions and scaling back diversity initiatives. However, it retains a prohibition on funding for teaching critical race theory in the military.

The bill also addresses unrelated issues, such as eliminating a $100 monthly cut in unemployment and sickness benefits for rail workers. This provision, supported by both railroads and unions, corrects cuts made during prior budget negotiations.

Despite partisan divisions over cultural issues, lawmakers largely agree on the importance of bolstering national security. 

Still, critics warn that politicising military policies risks undermining the unity and morale of service members. The bill now awaits President Biden’s decision, which will determine its fate amidst growing calls for a veto.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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