Bipartisan Senate Passes $886 Billion Defense Bill After Dropping Some Controversial Provisions, Faces Remaining Opposition in House
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The Senate passed a $886 billion compromise defense bill with strong bipartisan support after dropping controversial provisions on abortion, transgender troops, etc.
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The bill faces some remaining conservative opposition in the House due to the removal of social policy priorities, but could pass as early as Thursday.
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Republicans claimed wins in provisions instituting pay/hiring freezes for diversity programs and barring promotion of critical race theory on bases.
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The deal enables transfer of nuclear subs to Australia under AUKUS pact after a funding fight.
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The bill includes a 4-month extension of federal surveillance authorities, a 5.2 percent troop pay raise, and new Ukraine aid oversight.