US Senate Backs Massive Defense Bill and Sidesteps Culture Wars

The US Senate passed the annual $886 billion defense policy bill after sidestepping controversial debates on social policies and abortion, sending the upper chamber into tense negotiations with the Republican-led House.

The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2024 (S. 2226), passed by a 86-11 vote, seeks to boost US might in the Pacific to counter China’s influence with weaponry, presence, and alliance. It also carries a whole host of provisions, including the authorization of the State Department, a ban on US sales to China from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and tighter scrutiny of US investments in China. ...