For 62 consecutive years, Congress has come together on a bipartisan basis to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA faces a number of challenges as conferees from the House and Senate work to iron out the differences between their two versions to get it to President Biden’s desk.

The Senate version had a straightforward path. The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced it by a vote of 24-1 and the full Senate approved the measure by a strong bipartisan vote of 86-11. The House version is a different story entirely. The bill was largely non-controversial as considered by the House Armed Services Committee and passed by a vote of 58-1. However, it was amended on the floor of the House and passed by a narrow, party-line vote of 219-210. The House adopted a number of amendments on the House floor related to abortion, transgender health care and diversity and inclusion that eroded support from House Democrats.

House conferees have been named for a conference committee that will negotiate differences between the two bills in order to achieve a final conference report both chambers must then approve before it can go to President Biden’s desk for his signature into law. As with FY2024 appropriations, the successful motion to vacate the office of the Speaker of the House will undoubtedly impact the legislative path of the NDAA.

We anticipate a contentious conference and eventful fall as conferees consider the differences between the two bills this fall. On a positive note, we at FMA are pleased both versions of the NDAA include a 5.2 percent raise for uniformed military and the DOD civilian workforce for 2024. We are hopeful conferees will put aside partisan challenges and work together on this must-pass bill on Pentagon policy.