Final Version of NDAA Produced, Eliminates or Waters Down Several Hot-Button Social Policies

Pentagon Required to Consider Reinstating Troops Discharged for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccination, House Republicans' Proposal to Disband Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Rejected

House and Senate conferees have produced a final version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with both chambers expected to vote and send the bill to the president next week.
The final bill eliminated or watered down several hot-button social policies that were in the House version of the bill, including bans on reimbursement of travel expenses for abortion, mask requirements, and drag shows.
The conferees did retain language that would require the Pentagon to consider reinstating troops who were discharged solely on the basis of refusing a COVID-19 vaccination.
One of the most divisive policies that separated the House and Senate was the role of the Pentagon’s Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. House Republicans wanted to disband the commission, but the Senate conferees killed that proposal.
The final compromise did include two amendments from Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) aimed at reining in the commission.