January 1, Senate Approves $770B Defense Bill

The $770 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed through the Senate on Wednesday and is now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.

The measure passed with a resounding 88-11.

“Our nation faces an enormous range of security challenges, and it is more important than ever that we provide our military men and women with the support they need to keep America safe,” said Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) ahead of the vote.

“To that end, this bill makes great progress,” Reed said. “It addresses a broad range of pressing issues, from strategic competition with China and Russia, to disruptive technologies like hypersonics, AI and quantum computing, to modernizing our ships, aircraft and vehicles.”

Seven Democrats, three Republicans, and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT) opposed the measure.

The NDAA initially passed 89-10, but Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) was allowed to switch his vote to oppose it after the fact.

“I know defense isn’t Biden’s top priority, but we showed it is a bipartisan priority in this Congress,” said Sen. Jim Inhofe (OK), the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee.

The defense deal also includes a troop pay raise of 2.7%.

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Senate passes annual defense bill authorizing $770 billion in Pentagon funding