The House on Thursday approved a defense bill that includes an amendment that seeks to derail repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the 1993 law that bans gay and bisexual troops from serving openly.

The 2012 defense authorization bill cleared the House with an overwhelming 322 to 96 vote.

California Representative Duncan Hunter's amendment, which was attached to the bill in the House Armed Services Committee two weeks ago, alters the terms under which the law is lifted.

Congress approved repeal of the law during its lame-duck session in December. As approved, the military would implement repeal of the law 60 days after President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen – the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – certify that the military is ready for the change. In testimony before Congress last month, Pentagon officials said they expect the policy to be lifted this fall.

Hunter's measure would require the four service chiefs also sign off on repeal of the policy.

The Republican first announced the measure in January, soon after the officials offered testimony in support of keeping the law in place and condemned repeal in interviews.

Marine Corps Commandant General James Amos was the most vocal, but Air Force and Army chiefs also expressed concerns over ending the policy.

Amos suggested that soldiers might die if Congress repeals “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.”

But in testimony before Congress last month, Amos reversed course, saying “there hasn't been the recalcitrant push back, there hasn't been the anxiety over it from the forces in the field”

“And I'm looking specifically for issues coming out of the tier II and tier III training and to be honest with you, chairman, we've not seen it,” Amos testified.

Two additional anti-gay amendments were attached to the bill in committee.

Missouri Representative Vicky Hartzler's amendment would define marriage as a union between a man and woman for the purpose of military benefits, regulations and policy.

A third amendment would prohibit gay and lesbian couples from marrying on military bases and ban military personnel from participating in such ceremonies. Missouri Representative Todd Akin offered his measure after the Navy announced that chaplains would be allowed to officiate at gay marriages and civil union ceremonies once “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” is lifted. Akin and 63 members of the Republican caucus forced the Navy to reconsider.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the White House announced it was opposed to the three amendments, reiterating that it believes the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional.

“The Administration strongly objects to any legislative attempts to directly or indirectly undermine, prevent, or delay the implementation of [DADT] repeal, as such efforts create uncertainty for servicemembers and their families.”