Trump Backs Yearly Defense Policy Legislation

House Speaker Pushing for Defense Policy Bill

House Speaker Mike Johnson is hoping to advance his defense policy bill by Wednesday afternoon, buoyed by crucial support.

The White House is urging lawmakers to back the extensive bill that spans over 3,000 pages, which was introduced late Sunday. President Trump’s endorsement of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) follows pushback from some conservative lawmakers regarding Ukraine and its associated funding. It seems there’s an expectation to address regulations related to cryptocurrencies and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the military.

“This NDAA will allow the Department of the Army to pursue President Trump’s power peace policy, safeguard our homeland, and bolster our defense industrial base while cutting funding for programs deemed unnecessary or radical that could impact our military’s fighting spirit,” states the White House document.

The document adds, “If S.1071 reaches the President in its current form, he will sign it into law.”

Both the White House and Johnson have received praise for the bill, which solidifies 15 of Trump’s executive orders. These include directives to eliminate DEI initiatives in the military and enhance America’s defense capabilities.

The proposed legislation allocates $900.6 billion for the Department of Defense, which is slightly over $8 billion more than what the President had requested in his earlier budget proposal.

The defense policy bill includes a planned 3.8% pay raise for military personnel starting January 1, along with restrictions on certain investments in China. Additionally, it repeals past acts related to the Iraq and Gulf Wars.

With a narrow Republican majority in the House, Johnson has limited votes to play with.

Currently, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, who will leave Congress in January 2026, has publicly opposed the bill. She expressed concerns on social media about it funding foreign aid and wars at a time when Americans are facing significant debt and economic challenges.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida has also voiced her disapproval, specifically criticizing the inclusion of $400 million in new security funding for Ukraine. However, she hasn’t indicated how she will vote if the bill proceeds to debate.

Another Republican, Thomas Massey from Kentucky, who had previously voted against the initial House draft of the NDAA in September, may align himself against the current version backed by Trump.