House Passes $858 Billion Defense Bill , That Repeals Military COVID Vaccine Mandate.<br />CNBC reports that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by a vote of 350 to 80 on Dec. 8.<br />Within the proposed legislation is an order for the Pentagon to remove its active military COVID vaccine mandate.<br />Even though President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have spoken against ending the vaccine mandate.<br />Even though President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have spoken against ending the vaccine mandate.<br />Republicans threatened to <br />abandon the bill if it wasn't repealed. .<br />'The Hill' reports that GOP lawmakers claim the policy is affecting military recruitment and retention.<br />'The Hill' reports that GOP lawmakers claim the policy is affecting military recruitment and retention.<br />Personally, I would have preferred the Department of Defense do it on their own, rather than the legislature telling them to, <br />but since they didn’t, I think this makes sense, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, via statement.<br />White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president is “going to look at the NDAA in its entirety, <br />and make his judgment on that” if it reaches his desk.<br />The Senate is scheduled to vote <br />on the bill in the coming days.<br />CNBC reports that the NDAA is regarded as a "must-pass" bill because it ensures military personnel will receive their pay and benefits on time
