A newly released House Republican memo outlines key wins in the $895.2 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), highlighting provisions targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, bolstering border security, and rejecting climate-related programs. The 16-page document frames these measures as a push against "woke ideology" within the military.

The NDAA extends a Pentagon hiring freeze on DEI-related positions pending an investigation into existing programs and prohibits contracting with advertising firms that "blacklist conservative news sources." It also defunds the Biden administration's "Countering Extremist Activity Working Group" and blocks climate change programs and related guidance on weapons systems.

On border security, the bill supports deploying National Guard troops to assist Border Patrol at the southwest border. The memo also emphasizes quality-of-life improvements for service members, including a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel, expanded childcare access, and job support for military spouses. This comes with just a 1% increase in spending over the 2024 fiscal year.

The memo offers a glimpse into the GOP's national security priorities for 2025, with measures aimed at countering China and Iran expected to garner bipartisan support. However, a provision banning funding for transgender medical treatments for children of service members has drawn criticism from Democrats, potentially impacting the bill's passage. Speaker Mike Johnson praised the NDAA's limitations on progressive policies, while Rep. Adam Smith expressed concerns about the partisan nature of certain provisions. A vote on the bill is anticipated this week.