WASHINGTON — The House passed a sweeping defense bill  Friday that provides an expected 5.2% pay raise for service members but strays from traditional military policy with Republicans add-ons blocking abortion coverage, diversity initiatives at the Pentagon and transgender care that deeply divided the chamber. 'Our national security should never be politicized for culture wars and partisan games.' — Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) Democrats voted against the package, which had sailed out of the House Armed Services Committee on an almost unanimous vote weeks ago before being loaded with the GOP priorities during a heated late-night floor debate this week.

https://gvwire.com/2023/07/14/house-gop-passes-defense-bill-limiting-abortion-access-halting-diversity-efforts/

#gvwire