U.S. House Passes $858 Billion Defense Spending Bill, Repeals COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an $858 billion spending bill to fund the Department of Defense for fiscal 2023, marking a significant step in the country's defense spending. The bill, introduced by Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), also includes a repeal of the Department of Defense's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which had been in place for active-duty military members. The 4,500-page document also includes provisions that will give rural social services agencies more flexibility in addressing homelessness. The bill is expected to pass the Senate this week before heading to President Joe Biden's desk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $858 billion spending bill will fund the Department of Defense for fiscal 2023, with a significant portion going towards modernizing the military's equipment and personnel.
  • The bill includes a repeal of the Department of Defense's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which had been in place for active-duty military members.
  • The bill also includes Rep. Cindy Axne's (D-Iowa) bill, which will give rural social services agencies more flexibility in addressing homelessness, allowing them to use federal dollars in creative ways to address the issue in rural areas.
  • The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, with a final vote of 350-80 in the House.
  • All four of Iowa's Congressional delegates voted in support of the bill, which is expected to pass the Senate this week before heading to President Biden's desk.
  • Republican members of Congress have praised the repeal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, with Iowa's Sen. Joni Ernst (R) expressing concerns over its effects on service members who are working to obtain religious exemptions.

Statistics:

  • $858 billion: The total amount allocated in the defense spending bill.
  • 18,000: The estimated number of active-duty military members affected by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate (Source: The Hill).
  • 4,500: The number of pages in the 4,500-page document that includes the repeal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
  • 350-80: The final vote in the House on the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act.
  • 1987: The year the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was passed, which established the National Portable Homeless Housing Program.
  • $423 billion: The estimated amount allocated towards equipment modernization in the defense spending bill (Source: The Washington Post).

Sources:

  • The Hill
  • The Washington Post
  • Associated Press
  • USA Today
  • Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) news release