Congress passes $886 billion NDAA, angering conservatives

by ian

The House passed the annual defense bill today in a vote of 310-118 as lawmakers prepare to leave for Christmas break.

It comes after clearing the Senate 87-13 the day before. The $886 billion bill includes $11.5 billion for China deterrence, $800 million for Ukraine, and a 5.2% pay increase for service members.

But the vote is sure to anger hardline Republicans as a major sticking point for this bill was a four-month extension of section 702 in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a surveillance program that was set to end this month.

Conservatives like Senators Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky say the program allows the government to illegally spy on American citizens.

The bill also includes funds for abortion and transgender care, items that were originally slashed by the House earlier this year.

The House Freedom Caucus is promising to retaliate, saying it’s prepared “to use all available leverage to change the status quo.” It’s not clear what that means at this time.

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