Rep. Adam SmithVerified account

Foremost, Democrats defeated multiple provisions that would have been extremely harmful to the environment. Environmental riders have no place in a defense bill.

As in years before, Republicans again attempted to undermine the Endangered Species Act. This year, they also tried to roll back regulations on mining nationwide, and allow for the indefinite taking of certain public lands for defense purposes.

Democrats made significant strides to advance human rights, the promotion of peace, protection of vulnerable populations abroad, and the rule of law in conflict.

The bill also requires a review of whether the U.S. Armed Forces or its partners have violated laws or policies while conducting operations in Yemen.

The bill includes major provisions on the reporting of civilian casualties in connection with U.S. military operations. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and coordinate policy for civilian casualties connected with U.S. military operations.

Transparency is further enhanced by requiring the President to make the total number of deployed members of the Armed Forces publicly available. It also requires the Secretary of State to report on war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Syria.

The Defense Department is also required to report on transitional justice in Syria and to review the policy framework for military activity like the ongoing operations in Niger.

Supporting service members and their families, Democrats secured the inclusion of a substantial array of provisions to promote safety and combat domestic violence and sexual harassment among military personnel.

Democrats were able to remove a provision that would have made it easier for defense contractors to transfer machine guns. The bill closes a loophole that that allowed Devin Kelley, convicted of domestic violence, to purchase the gun he used in a 2017 mass shooting in a TX church

This bill continues the absolutely critical work of pushing back against President Putin’s ongoing campaign to undermine U.S. alliances, partnerships, and democratic values around the world.

I am pleased that this bill provides for our men and women in uniform and their families. There are many things to be concerned about in this bill, but the outcomes in these areas are positive.