House GOP passes defense bill that Dems say is poisoned

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – House lawmakers passed the annual defense spending bill Friday. But several amendments created controversy for a bill that typically has large bipartisan support.

House Republicans say the Defense spending bill strengthens the military at a critical time.

“It’s necessary. We got a world in crisis,” Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) said.

The roughly $844 billion plan includes a nearly 20% pay raise for junior troops and a smaller raise for all other servicemembers. Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett says it’s long overdue.

“I like the fact that some of our service members can come off of food stamps for goodness sakes,” Burchett said.

It also allocates more than a billion dollars to improve military housing. Pennsylvania Congressman Dan Meuser says the changes will help lagging military recruitment.

“This is done to send a message that we value you, we want to pay you more, we want you to have a better quality of life for you and your family,” Meuser said.

The bill had numerous amendments and Democrats pushed back on several from the GOP they say poison the bill.

One reverses the Pentagon’s policy to pay for travel of those seeking abortions. Another eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion positions at the Defense Department.

“Like a bulletin board for a bunch of right-wing graffiti. Anti-gay, anti-DEI , anti-affirmative action, so-on,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said.

Raskin said that’s why a majority of Democrats voted against what’s usually a largely bipartisan bill.

“It’s totally wrong to use national defense legislation as a billboard for all of your right-wing ideological causes,” Raskin said.

The legislation now heads to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it’s likely to change.

“I totally expect them to wreck it,” Rep. Burchett said.

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