| 2025 NDAA ON THE GLIDE PATH TO PASSAGE: A compromise hammered out over the weekend by House and Senate leaders is expected to result in quick approval for the $883.7 billion annual defense policy bill, formally titled this year as the "Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025." The most significant policy change is the inclusion of an extra pay bump for junior enlisted troops in the ranks of E-1 through E-4 who, on top of the 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel, will get an additional 10% for a total of 14.5%. The agreement, in which House and Senate negotiators combined two separate versions of the NDAA bills that passed each chamber in July, authorized $883.7 billion in overall defense spending, with the Pentagon's share coming in at $849.9 billion. An additional $33.3 billion is allocated to national security programs in the Department of Energy, with $512.4 million for other defense-related activities that don't come under the Department of Defense. The bill does not include a pay raise for the Pentagon's more than 700,000 civilian employees. OVERALL SPENDING REMAINS LEVEL: Despite a lot of grumbling from Republicans that the budget proposed by the Biden administration was inadequate and did not keep up with inflation, the final authorization compromise adheres to budget levels negotiated by President Joe Biden and then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) last summer to avert a debt default, spending caps that were subsequently codified in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which Biden signed into law in June. This weekend, the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) version prepared for final passage in the House and Senate was released. The bill does not include a measure proposed by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), that passed the Senate Armed Services Committee, (SASC) to increase the topline of the defense budget by more than $25 billion. Wicker, who is in line to take over as chairman of the Armed Services Committee, had championed a $25 billion increase to the Pentagon's topline, which passed in committee but was not included in the final compromise. "The failure to include a topline increase is a tremendous loss for our national defense. Many senior flag officers, defense strategists, and other experts continue to note that this is the most dangerous moment since World War II," Wicker said in a statement. "Not only does this NDAA thwart the bipartisan will of the Senate, but it signifies a profound missed opportunity to strengthen President-elect Trump's hand when he takes office." "I remain resolved to continue the national conversation I have started about our defense needs, and I will amplify this discussion should I become Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee," Wicker added. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my Congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it." DEI PROGRAMS IN, TRANSGENDER CARE OUT: According to a summary prepared by their staff, Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee say they blocked several provisions that would have dismantled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and restricted women's access to reproductive healthcare. "Also blocked were provisions that would have restricted support to Ukraine, prohibited DoD from supporting Palestinian refugees or the people of Gaza, further militarized our southern border, and lifted all restrictions on the controversial 1033 program, which provides excess military equipment to law enforcement agencies," the summary says. "However, the final text includes a provision that would prohibit medical intervention — which could result in sterilization—for military dependents under the age of 18 who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria." "Blanketly denying healthcare to people who clearly need it, just because of a biased notion against transgender people, is wrong," Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member of the House Armed Services, said in a statement. "This provision injected a level of partisanship not traditionally seen in defense bills. Speaker Johnson is pandering to the most extreme elements of his party to ensure that he retains his speakership. In doing so, he has upended what had been a bipartisan process." Smith cited provisions in the bill that required bipartisan compromise. "Had it remained as such, it would easily pass both chambers in a bipartisan vote," he said. "I urge the Speaker to abandon this current effort and let the House bring forward a bill — reflective of the traditional bipartisan process — that supports our troops and their families, invests in innovation and modernization, and doesn't attack the transgender community." NDAA LEGISLATION CLEARS ITS FIRST LEGISLATIVE HURDLE IN THE HOUSE Good Tuesday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre's Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie (@chriswtremo). Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. If signing up doesn't work, shoot us an email and we'll add you to our list. And be sure to follow me on Threads and/or on X @jamiejmcintyre. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR READ BACK ISSUES OF DAILY ON DEFENSE NOTE TO READERS: Daily on Defense will be on Christmas break from Monday, Dec. 23 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. BREAKDOWN OF NDAA SPENDING: The National Defense Authorization Act is only half the funding equation. While the annual must-pass bill authorizes the budget, a separate appropriations measure must be passed to actually fund the budget. Here are some line items authorized for fiscal year 2025, which began Oct 1. $33.5 billion Shipbuilding Funds, to buy seven battle force ships, including: - One Virginia-class submarine, with incremental funding authority for a second ship
- Three DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers, one above the budget request,
- One amphibious transport dock ship (LPD)
- One Medium Landing Ship (LSM)
Tactical Air Land Forces - 92 strike/fighter aircraft (F-15EX, F-35A/B/C)
- 93 rotary-wing aircraft (AH-64E, CH-47F, CH-53K, MH-139, UH-60)
- 306 combat vehicles (Abrams, ACV, AMPV, M-10, PIM, Stryker)
- Reverses the Air Force plan to retire F-15E aircraft, and prohibiting retirement before Sept. 30, 2027
- Authorizes retirement of remaining A-10s ground attack planes
HEGSETH GAINING STEAM: Pete Hegseth's one-on-one meetings on Capitol Hill are paying off as Republicans appear to be falling in line behind President-elect Donald Trump's controversial choice to lead the Pentagon. In particular, Hegseth seems to be making headway with perhaps the most pivotal vote he needs to win confirmation: Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). Ernst has been at the forefront of the fight against sexual assault in the military. After a second meeting with Hegseth Monday, Ernst released a statement that stopped short of promising to vote yes on his nomination, but pledged to support his right to "fair hearing based on truth." "I appreciate Pete Hegseth's responsiveness and respect for the process. Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks," Ernst said. "As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources." JONI ERNST OPENS THE DOOR TO SUPPORTING HEGSETH NOMINATION HEGSETH: 'LEFT TRYING TO TURN THIS INTO A SHOW TRIAL': On Fox News last night, Hegseth sounded upbeat, telling Sean Hannity, "The fact that she's willing to support me through this process means a lot." "It was a great meeting. People don't really know this (but) I've known Sen. Ernst for over 10 years. I knew her when she was a state senator running to be the first female combat veteran," Hegseth said. "You get into these meetings and you listen to senators — it's an amazing advise and consent process — and you hear how thoughtful, serious, substantive they are on these key issues that pertain to our Defense Department … and Joni Ernst is front and center on that." Hegseth's next challenge is winning over Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME), who have been known to go against Trump's wishes in the past. Hegseth meets with Murkowski today and Collins tomorrow. "This is not a trivial process. This is a real thing advise and consent of a nominee who the president has chosen," he said on Fox. “The left is trying to turn this into a trial in the media – show trial, and we’re not going to let that happen.” HEGSETH PRAISES SENATORS OVER NOMINATION PROCESS WHILE REVEALING TRUMP'S MISSION FOR HIM MAST TAKES OVER AS CHAIR OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) has been selected to lead the House Foreign Affairs Committee when the new Congress is seated next month. Mast, currently the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, was picked by his fellow Republicans. "With the world on fire, the House Foreign Affairs Committee is more important than ever. And I have no doubt Congressman Mast — a distinguished combat veteran and experienced member of this committee — will serve the nation well in this role, as he sacrificed in Afghanistan," said current chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX). "I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to advance U.S. foreign policy through this crucial committee in the 119th Congress. Congratulations, chairman-elect!" McCaul, who has been chairman for six years, would need a waiver to continue in the position. "Out of respect for [conference] rules and a desire to see future leaders rise from our conference, I have decided not to pursue another term as chairman,” McCaul told Axios last month. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER THE RUNDOWN: Washington Examiner: Space Force ready for liftoff: What Trump's second term could mean Washington Examiner: Zelensky negotiating Biden and Trump for help at the same time Washington Examiner: Syrian rebels install prime minister, new regime postures as centrist reformers Washington Examiner: Assad hides from public view as his family settles into life under Putin's protection Washington Examiner: Searches of Assad's 'slaughterhouse' prisons underway for political prisoners Washington Examiner: Warning signs were there that Assad's grip in Syria was faltering Washington Examiner: Netanyahu set to take the stand in corruption cases Washington Examiner: Hegseth praises senators over nomination process while revealing Trump's mission for him Washington Examiner: Joni Ernst opens the door to supporting Hegseth nomination Washington Examiner: Chuck Grassley has ‘no confidence’ in Christopher Wray to lead FBI Washington Examiner: Gabbard backs Trump’s push against US involvement in Syria post-Assad Washington Examiner: NDAA legislation clears its first legislative hurdle in the House Washington Examiner: Opinion: We have been misled on Havana Syndrome Washington Examiner: Opinion: Will Assad's fall lead to the Islamic State's rebound? Washington Examiner: Editorial: An opportunity for peace after Assad collapse New York Times: Cease-Fire Talks Between Israel and Hamas Gain Momentum, Officials Say Politico: US Debates Lifting Terror Designation for Main Syrian Rebel Group The War Zone: Fate of Russia's Prized Syria Bases: What We Know Soldier of Fortune: Do Assad's Secret Files Hold the Key to Reshaping Syria? Defense One: 'Shock the System': Startups and DOGE Take Over Reagan Forum Air & Space Forces Magazine: What's in the New NDAA: Pay Raises, No F-22 Divestments, and … Beards? Aviation Week: Blue Origin: New Glenn on Track to Launch This Month Breaking Defense: ULA Expects to Be Certified for National Security Launch 'Momentarily' Air & Space Forces Magazine: Guardsmen to Guardians: New NDAA Gives Space Force What It Wants DefenseScoop: Lawmakers Set to Punt AI Weapon Systems Center Decision to Pentagon Defense News: SDA a 'Canary in the Coal Mine' for Supply Chain Woes: Space Force AP: Military Pauses Osprey Flights Again After More Metal Failures Are Found in Near Crash in November DefenseScoop: Air Force, Navy Should Work More Closely to Develop 6th-Gen Fighter, Senator Says SpaceNews: China Is Building On-Orbit Space Situational Awareness Capabilities to Navigate Crowded Orbits Air & Space Forces Magazine: JSE: How Air Force Aims to Get More Pilots into 'World's Best F-35 Simulator' 19fortyfivecom: America Needs to Stay Out of Syria 19fortyfivecom: Is the Russian Military Going to Get Kicked Out of Syria? THE CALENDAR: TUESDAY | DECEMBER 10 9 a.m. — International Institute for Strategic Studies virtual discussion: “Europe Missile Renaissance: New Conventional Deterrence Options,” focusing on Russia use of ballistic and cruise missiles in Ukraine, with Douglas Barrie, IISS senior fellow for military aerospace; Zuzanna Gwadera, IISS research assistant; Timothy Wright, IISS research associate for defense and military analysis; and Ben Schreer, executive director of IISS Europe https://www.iiss.org/events/2024/12/europes-missile-renaissance 10 a.m. — Henry L. Stimson Center virtual discussion: “The Arms Trade Treaty at 10,” with Jennifer Cavenagh, Australian deputy permanent representative to the Conference on Disarmament; Daniel Lee, head of the UK Multilateral and Humanitarian Arms Control Counter Proliferation and Arms Control Center; Carina Solmirano, head of the ATT Secretariat; and Roberto Dondisch, lecturer at the University of Washington https://www.stimson.org/event/the-arms-trade-treaty-at-10/ 11 a.m. 1400 L St. NW, — Atlantic Council discussion: “Strategic Shifts: Insights from the Commission on the National Defense,” with former Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), chair of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy; and Eric Edelman, vice chair of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/strategic-shifts-insights 2 p.m. Vilnius, Lithuania — Atlantic Council virtual discussion: “The Future of Transatlantic Relations,” as part of Central Europe Week. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/2024-central-europe-week 3 p.m — Center for Strategic and International Studies webcast: "Managing Risk While Achieving Innovation: Lessons from the Collaborative Combat Aircraft," with Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the air force for acquisition, technology, and logistics; Cynthia Cook, director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and senior fellow, Defense and Security Department; and Gregory Sanders, deputy director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and senior fellow, Defense and Security Department https://www.csis.org/events/managing-risk-while-achieving-innovation 3 p.m. — Brennan Center for Justice virtual discussion: “Analyzing Trump Plan to Invoke the Alien Enemies Act,” with Ilya Somin, professor of law at the George Mason University; Karen Ebel, president at the German American Internee Coalition; Rita Fernandez, director of UnidosUS Immigration Policy Project; Katherine Yon Ebright, counsel at the Brennan Center Liberty and National Security Program; and Wilfred Codrington III, professor of constitutional law at the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law and fellow at the Brennan Center https://www.brennancenter.org/events/analyzing-trumps-plan-invoke-alien-enemies-act WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 11 8:30 a.m. 1400 L St. NW — Atlantic Council conference: "The future of U.S. counterterrorism policy," with State Department Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens; former CIA Director Michael Hayden; former Defense Undersecretary for Intelligence Michael Vickers; and former UN Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan Peter Galbraith https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/the-future-of-us-counterterrorism-policy/ 9 a.m. — Brookings Institution Center on the U.S. and Europ virtual discussion: “Relations with Turkey Under Trump 2.0,” with Evan Balta, professor of comparative politics and international politics at Ozyegin University; Nicholas Danforth, senior non-resident fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy and editor of War on the Rocks; Rich Outzen, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council; and Ash Aydintasbas, visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution Foreign Policy Center on the U.S. and Europe and the Brookings Institution Turkey Project https://www.brookings.edu/events/relations-with-turkey-under-trump-2-0 10 a.m. — Center for a New American Security virtual mission brief: "Irregular Warfare in an Era of Great Power Competition," with Christopher Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict; and Becca Wasser, senior fellow and deputy director CNAS defense program https://www.cnas.org/events/mission-brief-irregular-warfare 12 p.m. 55 13th St. NW — Washington Space Business Roundtable discussion: achieving U.S. security in the space domain,” with Maj. Gen. Steven Whitney, director of staff at U.S. Space Force https://wsbr.org/event/wsbr-december-luncheon THURSDAY | DECEMBER 12 9:30 a.m. 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW — Hudson Institute discussion: “Accelerating Replicator and Fielding Technologies for Today Fight,” with Aditi Kumar, deputy director of the Defense Department Defense Innovation Unit https://www.hudson.org/events/accelerating-replicator-fielding 9:30 a.m. — Asia Society Policy Institute virtual discussion: “Trump Second Act: What It Means for Asia and Pakistan,” with former Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. Maleeha Lodhi; Kamran Yousaf, host of “The Review on Express News”; Daniel Russel, ASPI vice president of international security and diplomacy; and Farwa Aamer, ASPI director of South Asia Initiatives https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/events/trumps-second-act 9:30 a.m. — Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual discussion: “What Happened in South Korea?” with Michelle Ye Hee Lee, Washington Post Tokyo bureau chief; Victor Cha, CSIS Korea chair; Sydney Seiler, CSIS nonresident senior adviser; and Mark Lippert, CSIS nonresident senior adviser https://www.csis.org/events/what-happened-south-korea-capital-cable-102 10:30 a.m. — Atlantic Council virtual discussion: “Ukraine Security, Europe Stability” as part of Central Europe Week,” with Tomas Kopecny, Czech Republic government envoy for the reconstruction of Ukraine; Mykola Bielieskov, research fellow at the National Institute for Strategic Studies; and former Undersecretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/2024-central-europe-week/ FRIDAY | DECEMBER 13 8 a.m. 2800 South Potomac Ave., Arlington, Virginia — Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association 2024 Air Force IT Day, with Venice Goodwine, CIO of the Department of the Air Force; and Maj. Gen. Jeth Rey, director of network C4 services and integration at the Army https://afceanova.swoogo.com/AirForceITDay2024 9 a.m. The National Mall — Events DC “Patriot Games” event, a competition between Army Cadets and Navy Midshipmen with the winner receiving a trophy to be presented on the field during Saturday's Army-Navy Game https://eventsdc.com/americas-game | | | | "The failure to include a topline increase is a tremendous loss for our national defense. Many senior flag officers, defense strategists, and other experts continue to note that this is the most dangerous moment since World War II. Not only does this NDAA thwart the bipartisan will of the Senate, but it signifies a profound missed opportunity to strengthen President-elect Trump's hand when he takes office." | | Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), vowing to continue his fight to add $25 billion to the Pentagon's $850 billion budget to strengthen deterrence of China and the defense of Taiwan |
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