"Culture Wars and Defense Bill Clash Threatens Passage as GOP Confronts Far-Right Demands"

Hard-right House Republicans are attempting to use the annual defense bill to push their socially conservative agenda, including rolling back Pentagon policies on abortion and diversity. These efforts are jeopardizing the passage of the bill and the longstanding bipartisan consensus on supporting the military. Republican leaders have scheduled votes on the $886 billion measure, but they have yet to dissuade their ultraconservative colleagues from loading it up with politically charged provisions. These provisions would alienate moderate Republicans and Democrats whose votes are needed to pass the bill. The situation poses a test for Speaker Kevin McCarthy's leadership and could further fracture the already divided Republican Party.