Democrats Condemn GOP-Loaded Defense Bill as a Celebration of Bigotry and Ignorance

The National Defense Authorization Act faces opposition from Democrats as Republicans added conservative amendments attacking Pentagon policies on abortion access, medical care for transgender troops, and diversity. The bill, which authorizes $886 billion for national defense programs in fiscal 2024, is expected to come down to a close vote in the House, with Democrats criticizing the amendments as promoting bigotry and ignorance. If the bill passes the House, many of the hardline provisions added by House Republicans are unlikely to survive negotiations with the Democratic-led Senate.