House Passes $886B Defense Bill After Stripping Divisive Social Issues Provisions
• House passes $886 billion defense bill, clearing it for Biden's signature after defeating far-right opposition over social issues • Bill authorizes 5.2% pay raise for troops, invests in military competition with Russia and China, sets up submarine deal with Britain and Australia • Extends warrantless surveillance program, draws opposition from conservatives and liberals over civil liberties concerns • Reflects bipartisan compromise after stripping out conservative provisions on abortion, transgender care, diversity training • Fate of $110 billion Ukraine/Israel aid package still uncertain amid dispute over border security funds