Congress Approves Defense Bill, Setting Stage for Biden's Signature

The House of Representatives has passed an $886 billion defense bill, which includes a 5.2 percent pay increase for service members and civilian employees of the Pentagon. The bill also focuses on improving competition with Russia and China, investing in regional partnerships, hypersonic weapons, and nuclear arsenal upgrades. The legislation faced opposition from right-wing lawmakers who sought restrictions on abortion access, transgender care, and diversity policies at the Pentagon. Despite the objections, the bill received bipartisan support and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden. The bill also extends a warrantless surveillance program and includes provisions related to Ukraine, Israel, and critical race theory in military schools.