Senate Passes $886 Billion Defense Bill with Troop 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 omits several policy priorities of social conservatives, leading to a divisive debate. The bill now heads to the House, where opponents have expressed concerns. Notably, the bill does not include provisions blocking the Pentagon's abortion travel policy or restricting gender-affirming healthcare for transgender service members. It does, however, include concessions on diversity and inclusion training in the military. The bill also authorizes a 5.2% increase in service member pay and sets key Pentagon policy to be funded through a follow-up appropriations bill. It also includes a short-term extension of a surveillance program, Section 702, which has faced bipartisan pushback. The bill addresses concerns about Ukraine funding and includes measures related to China.