The House began debating the fiscal year 2022 national defense authorization bill Wednesday, including more than 400 amendments, though only a handful of those will actually be debated or receive a formal vote. The majority are noncontroversial provisions that have been or will be agreed to as a bloc.

Among a small number of amendments that were debated and agreed to Wednesday was a provision requiring training to DOD medical personnel on the health impacts of PFAS.

There are two amendments from progressive Democrats to cut defense spending. One would reverse the Armed Services Committee’s decision to add almost $25 billion to the authorized defense spending level. Another would shave the entire defense budget by 10%. The House will vote on those Thursday, though they are likely to fail.

The House is expected to pass its bill Thursday or Friday.

Meanwhile, the Senate Armed Services Committee offered the first full look at its version of the NDAA, along with a committee report and detailed funding authorization tables. It is expected to be on the Senate floor next month. One provision would make it tougher for the Navy to retire ships early, as Defense News reported.

Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn J. Ergish