House Passes Defense Spending Bill Loaded with Conservative Policies, Stripped of Ukraine Aid

September 29, 2023

After several attempts, the House passed a full-year defense spending bill late Thursday on a near party-line vote. The bill includes multiple policy items championed by the House Freedom Caucus that make it drastically different from the version awaiting a Senate vote.

During floor consideration, the House removed Ukraine aid – but held a separate vote to provide that funding, a measure that passed overwhelmingly.

As Politico reported, the House’s spending bill would block the Pentagon’s abortion travel policy, limit DOD diversity and climate programs, and lower to $1 the salaries of several DOD leaders, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Transportation Command photo of tanks headed to Ukraine by Oz Suguitan

September 29, 2023

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