House Advances Defense Bill with Election Integrity Measure

The House of Representatives advanced a $1.15 trillion defense spending package on July 21, setting up a clash with Democrats who oppose it. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in a 214–211 vote, with Republicans attaching the SAVE America Act, a contentious election integrity bill. The measure includes provisions like codifying President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender military service, blocking Ukraine military funding, and prohibiting transgender medical procedures through Tricare. The Senate Armed Services Committee approved the NDAA in a bipartisan 18–9 vote on June 11, but Republicans and Democrats remain divided over spending levels. Democrats cite renewed hostilities in Iran as a reason for opposition, while Republicans argue the bill’s bipartisan nature justifies its passage. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also advanced a $95 billion budget reconciliation bill, including $10 billion for voter ID laws and proof-of-citizenship requirements. The reconciliation process allows passage without Democratic support, but the bill’s future in the Senate remains uncertain. Critics argue the SAVE America Act could suppress voter access, while supporters claim it enhances election integrity. Meanwhile, conservative lawmakers threatened to block the bill over lack of spending offsets, delaying the vote briefly.