House Democrats Abandon Defense Bill Amid GOP's Repeal of Abortion Policy
House Democrats are abandoning support for the defense authorization bill after Republicans passed amendments overturning the Pentagon's new abortion travel policy and restricting transgender medical care. The amendments were introduced to appease the Freedom Caucus, which threatened to stall procedural votes on the $874 billion bill. The loss of Democratic support means Republicans can only afford a few defections within their party for final passage. The bill is expected to face opposition in the Democratic-held Senate and the White House.