Senate Passes Sweeping Defense Bill, Avoiding Far-Right Policy and Paving the Way for Climate Accountability

The Senate has passed an $886 billion defense bill that defies the demands of hard-right Republicans by excluding restrictions on abortion, transgender care, and diversity initiatives. The legislation includes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military personnel and provisions to enhance the Defense Department's capabilities against China and Russia. It also authorizes military assistance to Ukraine and Israel, extends a warrantless surveillance program, and implements components of a key Indo-Pacific security partnership. The bill has faced backlash in the House, where Republicans are angry about the removal of hard-line provisions.