US lower house approves defense bill that authorizes record spending, goes to debate in the Senate

The US House of Representatives passed its version of a sweeping bill setting out Defense Department policy on Friday, but the chances of it becoming law were uncertain after Republicans added a series of conservative amendments.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA), which sets out Pentagon policy and authorizes spending of $886 billion, passed by 219 votes to 210. .

Voting took place largely along party lines, a departure from the typical bipartisan support for a bill that has passed every year since 1961.

The House measure includes a pay increase for members of the military, initiatives to counter China and an additional $300 million to support Ukraine in its response to Russia’s February 2021 invasion.

The House voted 221 to 213 in support of an amendment that would repeal the Defense Department’s policy of reimbursing the expenses of service members who travel for abortions.

The House also voted 222-211 to ban the Pentagon from paying for skin-firming surgeries. gender and hormonal treatments.

House Republicans managed to pass their amendments without Democratic support, but those provisions would die in the Senate, where Democrats led by President Joe Biden hold a 51-49 majority.

The debate in that chamber must begin on Tuesday. The Senate is expected to approve its version of the NDAA later this month, after which the two chambers will negotiate a compromise to be voted on later this year.

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