Republican Hardliners Back Advancing Defense Policy Bill

House Republicans clinched a procedural vote to advance critical annual defense policy legislation, dealing another narrow win to Speaker Mike Johnson.

The $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act is considered must-pass because it sets defense spending levels and geo-strategy, and authorizes pay raises and military construction projects. Johnson (R-La.) was intimately involved in negotiations on which provisions were included in the bill.

Read More: Chinese BioTech Targeted in $901 Billion Defense Policy Bill

Lawmakers voted 215-211 to pass a rule that sets the bill on course for a final vote later Wednesday after a handful of Republican defectors initially withheld ...