Posted 12/14/2023, 9:21:00 PM
Defense Bill Authorizes Military Pay Raise, Extends Surveillance Program, Bolsters NATO and Taiwan
- Authorizes biggest military pay raise in over 20 years, though some conservatives opposed lack of restrictions on Pentagon's diversity and health policies
- Extends controversial surveillance program aimed at preventing terrorism and catching spies, despite bipartisan privacy concerns
- Creates special inspector general to oversee Ukraine aid spending amid oversight concerns
- Includes provisions to strengthen NATO commitment and Taiwan assistance to counter threats from Russia and China
- Serves as blueprint for defense programs Congress will fund, with total spending increased by 3% over prior year to $886 billion