Marketplace Morning Report A defense bill about more than just defense
Dec 15, 2025
Joining the discussion are Su Lin Wong, Asia correspondent for The Economist and expert on online fraud, and Kimberly Adams, Senior Washington correspondent for Marketplace. They dive into the controversial $900 billion National Defense Authorization Act, revealing how it serves as a platform for unrelated policy issues. Su Lin sheds light on China's overwhelming presence in money laundering, detailing how mirror transactions and underground banks facilitate this activity. It's a deep dive into the intersections of defense policy and global finance!
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NDAA Carries More Than Defense
- The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a 3,000+ page must-pass bill that often carries non-defense policies.
- Lawmakers pack controversial items into the NDAA because other legislation stalls, making it a lightning rod for unrelated fights.
Policy Now, Funding Later
- The bill includes concrete defense items like a 3.8% military pay raise and $400 million for Ukraine.
- Funding comes later, but policy and high-profile provisions land in this authorization act.
House Cuts To Climate And DEI
- William Hartung described attempts to cut climate and DEI funding in the House version of the NDAA.
- The House bill would trim $1.6 billion in climate spending and roll back $40 million in diversity efforts.