"US Senate Approves Comprehensive Defense Bill, Awaits House Vote"

The US Senate has passed a defense policy bill authorizing a record $886 billion in annual military spending with strong bipartisan support. The bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), covers a wide range of military policies and purchases, including pay raises for troops and measures to counter Russia and China. However, provisions addressing divisive social issues were left out of the final version, avoiding potential derailment of the legislation. The bill is expected to be passed by the House and signed into law by President Joe Biden. It also includes a four-month extension of a disputed domestic surveillance authority.