Senate Passes $886 Billion Defense Policy Bill with Troop Pay Raises and Ukraine Aid

The Senate has passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing a record-breaking $886 billion in military spending for 2024. The bill received strong bipartisan support, clearing the Senate in an 87-13 vote. It now heads to the House for consideration. The legislation does not include provisions limiting abortion access and restricting transgender healthcare treatment for troops and their families, which were in the House version of the bill. The bill extends surveillance authority and provides a 5.2% raise in troop pay. It also includes funding to counter China in the Indo-Pacific and military aid for Ukraine. President Biden has requested additional assistance for Ukraine, but it faces challenges in Congress. The bill also includes authorizations for the AUKUS submarine-sharing agreement.