Senate Approves Historic Defense Policy Bill with Pay Raises and Ukraine Aid

The Senate has passed a defense policy bill that includes the largest pay raise for troops in over two decades, but it has left out several policy priorities of social conservatives, leading to a divisive debate. The bill does not include language blocking the Pentagon's abortion travel policy or restricting gender-affirming healthcare for transgender service members. However, Republicans secured concessions on diversity and inclusion training in the military. The bill also includes a short-term extension of a surveillance program, which has faced bipartisan pushback due to concerns about privacy. The bill sets key Pentagon policy and authorizes $886 billion for national defense programs. It addresses issues related to Ukraine and China, but some House Republicans are opposing it due to the Pentagon's abortion reimbursement policy.