Sioux Empire Today

Today, the House of Representatives approved the annual defense package, which features two provisions led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson from South Dakota. The bill includes a significant pay raise for troops and aims to eliminate certain policies described as "politically woke." It also focuses on strengthening the U.S. military and taking a firmer stance against China.

Johnson expressed satisfaction with the bill's passage, stating, “Politically ‘woke’ culture has infiltrated our military, but this bill puts an end to some of those policies like paying for gender transition treatments for youth.” He added that he was pleased his provisions to hold China accountable and support B-21 bombers were included.

The defense package seeks to refocus the military on lethality by banning the Department of Defense from providing gender transition treatments for minors and promoting Critical Race Theory in military contexts. Additionally, it prevents the implementation of a Military Green New Deal that would require electric vehicles for official travel and favor weapons with lower climate impacts.

One of Johnson's provisions targets China's shipping practices. The Shanghai Shipping Exchange has been accused of using anti-competitive practices to benefit China's economy. Another provision updates Proof of Delivery notifications for firearm transfers, allowing electronic notifications as an alternative due to postal delays.

This year marks the 64th consecutive passage of the National Defense Authorization Act. For Fiscal Year 2025, the defense package will provide over $2 billion for B-21 procurement and $282 million for related construction projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base. It also secures $177 million for other projects at Ellsworth and boosts pay by nearly 15% for junior enlisted servicemembers.

The package supports deploying the National Guard at the southwest border, prevents Chinese espionage in various sectors, protects Israel as an ally in the Middle East, bolsters Taiwan’s defense capabilities, saves $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, requires merit-based promotions, prohibits contracts with firms blacklisting conservative news sources, and permanently bans transgender medical treatment for minors.