Act would require assessment before troop level can decrease.
A congressional conference report released last week includes language aimed at preventing a U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, in direct conflict with President Trump’s order to cut forces there to 2,500 by mid-January.
The National Defense Authorization Act would block funding to reduce the troop level until the Pentagon, State Department, and Director of National Intelligence assess the effect on the U.S., among other things. That assessment would be required before troops can drop below the number already there when the bill becomes law — and then again before troops can drop below 2,000.
The bill also includes language aimed at restraining the president’s ability to withdraw thousands of American troops from Germany, and a requirement for the Pentagon to rename Confederate-named bases.
President Trump has requested that the bill include striking Section 230 that gives protections to big tech. He said he would veto the NDAA if it comes to him without those provisions. However, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the House has enough votes to override a presidential veto.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of Congress as they consider and vote on the National Defense Authorization Act.
- For President Trump as he deals with the opposition of Congress and his intentions to veto the bill that is under consideration.
- For the government’s consideration to put constraints on social media platforms.
Sources: The Hill, Bloomberg News, Newsweek
