The Senate has approved an $886 billion defense bill that includes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military personnel and prioritizes competition with adversaries such as China and Russia. The bill also includes provisions for military assistance to Ukraine and Israel and extends a warrantless surveillance program for the intelligence community.
The vote, with 87 in favor and 13 against, defied the demands of hard-right Republicans who had sought to attach highly partisan restrictions on abortion, transgender care, and diversity initiatives to the bill. The bill has prompted backlash in the House, where Republicans are angry at their leaders for agreeing to drop several provisions added by hard-liners.
Despite the bipartisan support for the bill in the Senate, it faces a potential challenge in the House where it is expected to be voted on under fast-track procedures. Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate have championed the bill as a fair compromise that prioritizes competition with adversaries and demonstrates support for allies.
The bill has dropped provisions such as banning transgender health care, diversity training officers, and drag shows, much to the chagrin of hard-right Republicans who oppose these policies. It also extends a program that allows warrantless surveillance of foreign individuals and has drawn opposition from both liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans.
The House is expected to vote on the legislation under fast-track procedures, but it will require a two-thirds majority for passage. Both Republicans and Democrats are expected to support the bill, but there may be challenges from hard-right Republicans who oppose the provisions included in the bill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan to have the House vote on two competing bills to overhaul the surveillance program fell apart earlier this week due to fierce Republican infighting, delaying any resolution on how or whether to change the program into the new year.