$857 Billion Defense Bill Adds 11 Ships, Drops Vaccine Mandate

The U.S. Congress has released the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2023, reports USNI News.

The defense bill includes $32.6 billion for the Navy to build 11 battle force ships, including three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, two Virginia-class submarines, two expeditionary fast transports, a Constellation-class frigate, a San Antonio-class amphibious ship, a John Lewis-class oiler and a Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ship.

The NDAA also "restricts" Navy plans to decommission 12 ships, including five Littoral Combat Ships, four dock landing ships, two Montford Point-class expeditionary transfer docks and a Ticonderoga-class cruiser.

A further $25 million was authorized for continued research and development for a nuclear sea-launched cruise missile. The Biden administration sought to shut down the program after assessing that it had “zero value.”

The bill also includes a 4.6 percent raise for Defense Dept. employees, both civilian and in uniform, the biggest raise in two decades, reported the Stars and Stripes.

It also ends the military's coronavirus vaccination mandate despite opposition from President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who called it “a health and readiness issue for the force.”

Additional provisions include expanded social safety net programs, including wider eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance and childcare reimbursement funds.

The bill is due for a House vote this week, followed by a vote in the Senate.