The White House released a statement criticizing provisions in the House’s fiscal 2025 defense policy bill, including shipbuilding, Army drone corps, missile defense, and defense contractor pricing transparency. The White House called for an Indo-Pacific Security Assistance Initiative, urged Congress to address concerns, and emphasized the need for responsible spending levels.
Despite objections, the White House did not issue a veto threat on the bill, but could change if socially conservative policy riders are included. The Senate Armed Services Committee will mark up its version of the bill later this week. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Rep. Adam Smith emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bill.
There are disagreements between the Armed Services Committee and defense appropriators, particularly regarding funding for a second Virginia-class attack submarine. The White House supports funding only one submarine for FY25 due to production delays. The policy bill also cuts procurement for a frigate, and the retirement of guided-missile cruisers is blocked. Defense contractor pricing data provisions are also opposed by the White House.
The White House opposes the creation of an Army drone corps and a third continental missile interceptor site, while noting the Defense Department’s plan to field Next-Generation Interceptors in Alaska by 2028. The provision to raise the cap for defense contractor pricing data is also strongly opposed by the White House and watchdog groups.