Congress easily passes defense bill void of GOP demands on social issues
By Karah Rucker (Anchor/Reporter), Ian Kennedy (Video Producer)
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Big pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden; conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsHouse passes annual defense policy bill in last-minute sprint, sending it to Joe Biden
Click to see story on USA TodayHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on CNNHouse passes defense policy bill, a rebuke of GOP’s far-right fringe
Click to see story on The Washington PostHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on The Mercury newsHouse sends defense bill to Biden, despite conservative anger over spy powers, culture wars
Click to see story on PoliticoHouse approves pay raises for U.S. military
Click to see story on WISH-TVThe House passes the biggest pay raise for troops in decades, despite conservatives’ objections to cultural issues
Click to see story on PBS NewsHourBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on News & RecordHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KIFIHouse sends annual Defense policy bill to Biden’s desk
Click to see story on The HillBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on KVIABig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Pioneer PressHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KCRA 3House passes defense policy bill void of most Republican culture-war demands
Click to see story on Portland Press HeraldHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WCVBHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WLWTHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WMURBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Billings GazetteHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WLKYHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WESHHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on Koco News5House passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KETVHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WDSUHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WTAEHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WYFFBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Lincoln Journal StarBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Helena Independent RecordHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KCCIHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KMBCHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WBAL-TVHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WISNHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WPTZHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WMTWHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WVTMHouse Passes Defense Policy Bill, Leaving Out Abortion, Transgender Provisions
Click to see story on Wall Street JournalHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WAPTBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on KOB 4House passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KOATHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KWWLHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KITV4 NewsBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Omaha World-HeraldBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Sun (Lowell)House passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WPBFBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Daily FreemanA big pay raise for troops is in the defense bill sent to Biden. But conservatives are stymied on cultural issues.
Click to see story on The Virginian PilotHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WXIIBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Delaware County Daily TimesHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KSBWHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WJCLHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KHBSBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The ReporterBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Pottstown MercuryBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Daily Local NewsBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Sentinel and EnterpriseBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden
Click to see story on Temple Daily TelegramBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Times HeraldHouse passes NDAA as members leave town, angering conservatives in the process
Click to see story on Washington ExaminerBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on MY NorthwestBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Boston HeraldSenate Passes Massive $886 Billion National Defense Authorization Act – News From Antiwar.com
Click to see story on antiwar.comA big pay raise for troops is in the defense bill sent to Biden. But conservatives are stymied on cultural issues.
Click to see story on Daily PressBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Odessa AmericanRight
Untracked Bias
The Senate and the House overwhelmingly passed the compromise $886 billion defense budget for 2024. The bill, which was approved by the Senate on Thursday, Dec. 14, was notably void of major social issue provisions sought by some Republicans, such as those on abortion and gender identity.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
The bill allows the Pentagon to pay for travel and time off for service members to obtain abortions and gender-affirming health care. Both of those provisions were blocked in the House version of the bill, but when House and Senate negotiators met, concessions were made to remove those restrictions, and the majority of Republicans in both chambers voted for the final bill.
Here’s what Republicans got in return:
In 2021, President Biden issued an executive order mandating the establishment of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices across all military branches to promote equity within the military. However, the 2024 defense budget will impose a hiring freeze on these DEI offices, and there will be a salary cap for employees working in these departments.
The defense bill incorporates language backed by Republicans, specifically stating that it “prohibits the promotion of critical race theory.”
Additionally, LGBTQ pride flags will not be allowed to be displayed outside military bases – along with any other unapproved flags.
Other sentiments inside the bill that satisfy conservatives are policies that will require the government to find use for border wall materials that have been stored for years.
The budget also permits the hiring of a “special inspector general” to enhance oversight of the tens of billions of dollars sent to Ukraine. The hiring of that position is seen as a win for Republicans in the defense bill negotiations.
Unbiased news.
Directly to your inbox. Free!
Learn more about our emails. Unsubscribe anytime.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
Republicans pointed to a lack of transparency as reason for upholding a separate $110 billion aid package. The majority of that money is set aside for Ukraine.
While the majority of Republicans voted with Democrats to approve the defense budget, GOP members are receiving criticism from their own party for conceding to “woke” military policies.
[Karah Rucker]
BOTH THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY PASSED THE COMPROMISE $886 BILLION DEFENSE BUDGET FOR 2024. THE BILL WAS NOTABLY VOID OF MAJOR SOCIAL ISSUE PROVISIONS SOUGHT BY SOME REPUBLICANS — SPECIFICALLY ON ABORTION AND GENDER IDENTITY.
THE BILL ALLOWS THE PENTAGON TO PAY FOR TRAVEL AND TIME OFF TO OBTAIN ABORTIONS AND FOR GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTH CARE FOR MILITARY MEMBERS — BOTH OF WHICH WERE BLOCKED IN THE HOUSE VERSION OF THE BILL.
YET THE MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS IN BOTH HOUSES VOTED FOR THE FINAL BILL.
NOW SOME ARE WANTING TO KNOW WHY? WHAT CONCESSIONS DID REPUBLICANS RECEIVE?
THE HOUSE-PASSED DEFENSE BILL INCLUDED TWO PROVISIONS THAT BLOCKED THE MILITARY FROM USING TAX-PAYER MONEY TO PAY FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE AND ABORTIONS. WHEN HOUSE AND SENATE NEGOTIATORS MET – CONCESSIONS WERE MADE TO REMOVE THOSE RESTRICTIONS. –
REMEMBER PRESIDENT BIDEN’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN 2021 REQUIRING ALL MILITARY BRANCHES TO CREATE “DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION” OFFICES TO ADVANCE EQUITY IN THE MILITARY?
IN THE 2024 DEFENSE BUDGET –
THERE WILL BE A HIRING FREEZE IN D-E-I OFFICES AND EMPLOYEES IN THESE DEPARTMENTS WILL HAVE A PAY-CAP.
THE DEFENSE BILL INCLUDES LANGUAGE SUPPORTED BY REPUBLICANS THAT “PROHIBITS THE PROMOTION OF CRITICAL RACE THEORY”.
LGBTQ PRIDE FLAGS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE DISPLAYED OUTSIDE MILITARY BASES – ALONG WITH ANY OTHER UN-APPROVED FLAGS.
OTHER SENTIMENTS INSIDE THE BILL THAT SATISFY CONSERVATIVES –
ARE POLICIES THAT WILL REQUIRE THE GOVERNMENT TO FIND A WAY TO **USE BORDER WALL MATERIALS THAT HAVE SAT UNUSED FOR YEARS.
THE BUDGET ALSO ALLOWS FOR THE HIRING OF A “SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL” TO BETTER TRACK THE TENS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS SENT TO UKRAINE.
THE HIRING OF SOMEONE TO OVERSEE THAT MONEY IS SEEN AS A REPUBLICAN WIN IN THE DEFENSE BILL NEGOTIATIONS.
REPUBLICANS POINT TO A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AS REASON FOR UPHOLDING A SEPARATE 110-BILLION-DOLLAR AID PACKAGE –
WITH THE MAJORITY OF THAT MONEY SET ASIDE FOR UKRAINE.
WHILE THE MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS VOTED WITH DEMOCRATS TO APPROVE THE DEFENSE BUDGET –
THEY ARE RECEIVING CRITICISM FROM WITHIN THEIR OWN PARTY FROM **OTHER REPUBLICANS FOR WHAT THEY CALL CONCEDING TO “WOKE” MILITARY POLICIES.
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Big pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden; conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsHouse passes annual defense policy bill in last-minute sprint, sending it to Joe Biden
Click to see story on USA TodayHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on CNNHouse passes defense policy bill, a rebuke of GOP’s far-right fringe
Click to see story on The Washington PostHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on The Mercury newsHouse sends defense bill to Biden, despite conservative anger over spy powers, culture wars
Click to see story on PoliticoHouse approves pay raises for U.S. military
Click to see story on WISH-TVThe House passes the biggest pay raise for troops in decades, despite conservatives’ objections to cultural issues
Click to see story on PBS NewsHourBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on News & RecordHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KIFIHouse sends annual Defense policy bill to Biden’s desk
Click to see story on The HillBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on KVIABig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Pioneer PressHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KCRA 3House passes defense policy bill void of most Republican culture-war demands
Click to see story on Portland Press HeraldHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WCVBHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WLWTHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WMURBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Billings GazetteHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WLKYHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WESHHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on Koco News5House passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KETVHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WDSUHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WTAEHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WYFFBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Lincoln Journal StarBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Helena Independent RecordHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KCCIHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KMBCHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WBAL-TVHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WISNHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WPTZHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WMTWHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WVTMHouse Passes Defense Policy Bill, Leaving Out Abortion, Transgender Provisions
Click to see story on Wall Street JournalHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WAPTBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on KOB 4House passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KOATHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KWWLHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KITV4 NewsBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Omaha World-HeraldBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Sun (Lowell)House passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WPBFBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Daily FreemanA big pay raise for troops is in the defense bill sent to Biden. But conservatives are stymied on cultural issues.
Click to see story on The Virginian PilotHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WXIIBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Delaware County Daily TimesHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KSBWHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on WJCLHouse passes sweeping defense policy bill that includes 5.2% pay raise for members of the military
Click to see story on KHBSBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The ReporterBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Pottstown MercuryBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Daily Local NewsBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Sentinel and EnterpriseBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden
Click to see story on Temple Daily TelegramBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on The Times HeraldHouse passes NDAA as members leave town, angering conservatives in the process
Click to see story on Washington ExaminerBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on MY NorthwestBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Boston HeraldSenate Passes Massive $886 Billion National Defense Authorization Act – News From Antiwar.com
Click to see story on antiwar.comA big pay raise for troops is in the defense bill sent to Biden. But conservatives are stymied on cultural issues.
Click to see story on Daily PressBig pay raise for troops in defense bill sent to Biden. Conservatives stymied on cultural issues
Click to see story on Odessa AmericanRight
Untracked Bias
VOTE WITH THE UNBIASED, STRAIGHT FACTS.™
We promise you context and clarity when it matters the most!
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
MOST POPULAR
-
2% of residents in Hurricane Helene’s hardest-hit counties had flood insurance
Watch 1:45Yesterday -
US pushing to elect new Lebanese president as Hezbollah weakens
ReadYesterday -
US pays $72 million to pharmaceutical companies for bird flu vaccine
Watch 1:31Yesterday -
Oklahoma starts bid for 55,000 Bibles that mirror ‘Trump Bible’
Watch 2:10Yesterday