The United States Senate passed a defense spending bill worth $886 billion in a bipartisan 86-11 vote. However, the bill differs from the version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) adopted by the House earlier this month, meaning the two chambers will have to agree on the final text of the bill.
The NDAA approved by the Republican-led House included controversial provisions limiting previously existing abortion policies, transgender healthcare and diversity programs handled by the Department of Defense. These measures were rejected by the Democrats, who narrowly control the Senate. "What’s happening in the Senate is a stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom we saw in the House. House Republicans are pushing partisan legislation that has zero chance of passing," Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
