House Passes $858 Billion Defense Bill , That Repeals Military COVID Vaccine Mandate.
CNBC reports that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by a vote of 350 to 80 on Dec. 8.
Within the proposed legislation is an order for the Pentagon to remove its active military COVID vaccine mandate.
Even though President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have spoken against ending the vaccine mandate.
Even though President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have spoken against ending the vaccine mandate.
Republicans threatened to
abandon the bill if it wasn't repealed. .
'The Hill' reports that GOP lawmakers claim the policy is affecting military recruitment and retention.
'The Hill' reports that GOP lawmakers claim the policy is affecting military recruitment and retention.
Personally, I would have preferred the Department of Defense do it on their own, rather than the legislature telling them to,
but since they didn’t, I think this makes sense, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, via statement.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president is “going to look at the NDAA in its entirety,
and make his judgment on that” if it reaches his desk.
The Senate is scheduled to vote
on the bill in the coming days.
CNBC reports that the NDAA is regarded as a "must-pass" bill because it ensures military personnel will receive their pay and benefits on time