Senate Approves Comprehensive Defense Policy Bill with Troop Pay Raises and Ukraine Aid

The Senate has passed a compromise annual defense policy bill, which closely aligns with President Joe Biden's proposed budget request. The bill includes $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and authorizes the transfer of three Virginia-class attack submarines to Australia as part of the AUKUS submarine-sharing agreement. It also institutionalizes the sea-launched cruise missile nuclear program, despite objections from the Biden administration. The compromise bill removed provisions that caused House Democrats to protest, but conservative organizations are urging Republicans to vote against it due to the absence of a ban on abortion leave. The bill now heads to the House for a final vote before reaching the White House for the president's signature.