US Senate passes defense bill that will raise troop pay and aims to counter China's power

The Senate passed a defense bill authorizing pay raises for junior enlisted service members, boosting military spending to $895 billion, and countering China’s power, while also removing coverage of transgender medical treatments for military children. The bill faced bipartisan support but sparked debate over social issues, ultimately passing 85-14 and heading to President Biden. House Democrats initially opposed the bill due to the provision banning transgender medical care for children, but it passed 281-140 after amendments.

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