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President Joe Biden signed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law on December 23, authorizing $895 billion in military spending while raising concerns over certain provisions in the bill.
“While I am pleased to support the critical objectives of the Act, I note that certain provisions of the Act raise concerns,” Biden said in a statement released Monday night.
The NDAA, which outlines funding priorities for the U.S. military, was passed with bipartisan support earlier this month, though it also faced notable objections from both parties.
Presidential Reservations
Biden highlighted reservations about provisions in the NDAA that limit presidential authority in overseeing international negotiations. Additionally, he criticized requirements for the president to report to Congress in ways he said could compromise sensitive intelligence or military operations.
Biden also objected to restrictions preventing the Department of Defense from using funds to transfer detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to certain foreign nations, cautioning that these measures “could make it difficult to comply with the final judgment of a court.”
Controversy Over Transgender Medical Care
Among the more contentious provisions, the NDAA bars the Defense Department’s Tricare program from covering transgender procedures for dependents under 18. This provision drew sharp criticism from many Democrats, some of whom cited it as their reason for opposing the bill.
“The provision targets a group based on that group’s gender identity and interferes with parents’ roles to determine the best care for their children,” Biden said, warning that it could undermine the military’s ability to attract and retain personnel.
Despite objections, the bill passed the House with a vote of 281–140, including support from 200 Republicans and 81 Democrats. Sixteen Republicans joined 124 Democrats in opposing the legislation. The Senate passed the bill with more unified support, voting 85–14 in favor, though 10 Democrats and four senators from outside the major parties—Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah)—voted against it.
Supporting Military Personnel
The 2025 NDAA includes provisions aimed at improving the quality of life for U.S. servicemembers, including a 4.5% pay raise across the board, with junior enlisted troops receiving a targeted pay increase of 14.5%. The bill also enhances cost-of-living adjustments, provides basic needs allowances, supports military spouse employment, and funds child care programs for military families.
“Despite certain concerns, this year’s NDAA provides vital benefits for military personnel and their families, and includes critical authorities to support our country’s national defense, foreign affairs, and homeland security,” Biden said.
Funding Challenges Ahead
Although the NDAA establishes authorization for military programs, a separate appropriations act is required to fully fund them. On December 21, Biden signed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through March 14, allowing Congress more time to pass a comprehensive budget.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin welcomed the continuing resolution and the signing of the NDAA but emphasized the importance of a full defense budget to sustain and expand military capabilities.
“Being forced to rely on stopgap, temporary funding measures hamstrings the Department’s ability to plan for the future, bolster our ranks with new recruits, and tackle new challenges to American security,” Austin said in a statement.
Lawmakers now face the task of finalizing a full federal budget to ensure the programs outlined in the NDAA receive the necessary funding to be implemented.
