GOP Dissatisfaction with Compromises on Conservative Policy Goals
A group of hardline Republicans within the House of Representatives is expressing strong disapproval of the compromises made in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). They claim that the removal of conservative policy goals on transgender surgeries and abortion, among others, is a “terrible mistake” and a “colossal failure.” The discontent stems from a perception that the House Republican leadership has conceded too much ground in negotiations over the NDAA.
Concerns about Surveillance Provisions
Another contentious issue for these GOP hardliners is the inclusion of a short-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s (FISA) Section 702. Critics argue that this provision has been misused to spy on American citizens without proper warrants. Some progressive lawmakers also oppose this provision. The dissatisfaction is compounded by the belief that the compromises were reached behind closed doors, rather than through the established conference committee process.
A “Failure” that Represents the Problems of Washington
Representative Bob Good, a prominent critic of the NDAA, argues that the bill is emblematic of everything that is wrong with Washington. He contends that the compromises made in the NDAA undo the progress made by a previous, more conservative bill passed earlier in the year. Good is urging fellow Republicans to vote against the NDAA, highlighting the need for close to half of Republican members to oppose it in order to prevent its passage.
Internal Memo Highlights White House Support
An internal memo circulating among House Republicans points out that the White House has signaled its support for the bill, indicating that President Biden would sign it if it reaches his desk. The memo criticizes the bill for surrendering on policies that Republicans claim to fight for and accuses the negotiation process of lacking transparency.
Challenges in Passing the NDAA
The House leadership plans to bring the NDAA to the floor for a vote under suspension of the rules, bypassing an initial procedural vote. However, this approach requires two-thirds support instead of a simple majority. Representative Good warns that it will be an uphill battle to defeat the bill but vows to do everything in his power to persuade members to vote against it. The vote is expected to take place on Thursday morning if it clears the Senate by then.
Discontent Echoed by Bipartisan Group
Representative Good’s concerns are not isolated. Over 50 lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties signed a letter expressing their opposition to a “clean” extension of the current FISA in late November, indicating a broader dissatisfaction with certain provisions of surveillance legislation.