"US Defense Bill Clears Controversial Abortion Provisions and Advances Despite Objections"

House and Senate negotiators have reached a compromise on the annual defense authorization bill, removing controversial social issues such as abortion provisions and transgender military care. The compromise bill focuses on advancing a 5.2% pay raise for troops and includes provisions for Defense Department operations. The legislation, which sets military policy and spending priorities, is expected to be voted on by the full House and Senate next week. The final authorization plan also includes restrictions on diversity training, encourages re-enlistment for troops dismissed for vaccine refusal, and calls for cuts in active-duty personnel for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Funding for these provisions will be determined in the fiscal 2024 defense budget bill.