House Republicans, led by Majority Leader Steve Scalise, are preparing to introduce numerous amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with the goal of removing what they perceive as "woke" policies from the military. They argue that these policies, implemented under President Biden's administration, have diverted the military's focus from its core mission and weakened its combat readiness, contributing to recruitment challenges.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Rep. Steve Scalise.

Republicans contend that the military's emphasis on "woke" ideology has hampered its ability to address critical national security threats, particularly from adversaries like China. They plan to propose over 200 amendments to the NDAA, aiming to eliminate woke training programs and prioritize equipping the military with advanced technology and training to counter these threats.

President Joe Biden.

This debate over the NDAA coincides with the military's ongoing recruitment crisis, the worst since the transition to an all-volunteer force. The Army, in particular, has struggled to meet its recruitment targets. Scalise expressed confidence that the Republican amendments will be incorporated into the final version of the bill, enabling the military to concentrate on its primary mission and address the recruitment shortfall.

A U.S. armed forces recruiting station.

The Republicans' focus on eliminating "woke" policies reflects their broader concern about the military's readiness and effectiveness in the face of global challenges.