House Republicans banded together on Friday to narrowly pass an $895 billion defense policy bill that would restrict access to abortion and transgender medical care in the military and eliminate all positions and offices of diversity, equity and inclusion across the Pentagon.
The 217-to-199 vote, largely along party lines, reflected a dramatic shift in support for the annual National Defense Authorization Act, normally an overwhelmingly popular bill, since it emerged from a House committee last month with broad bipartisan support.
Democrats turned against the bill in droves after Republicans insisted for the second year in a row on loading it with conservative policy dictates.
The legislation would provide a 19.5 percent pay increase for the troops, as well as an array of quality-of-life improvements including more generous housing and food allowances for military families and improvements for military housing facilities.
“Our adversaries will only be deterred through strength,” he added, and the House bill “ensures our military will continue to project that strength.”
Persons:
we’ve, Mike D, Rogers, ”
Organizations:
Republicans, Pentagon, National Defense, Republican, House Armed Services Committee
Locations:
Alabama