The Senate on Tuesday gave overwhelming approval to a sweeping defense policy bill that largely avoids controversial Republican-backed provisions — like establishing a commission to study and potentially rename military bases honoring Confederate leaders — that had threatened to derail it.
The plan, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, passed with a veto-proof majority of 84-13 just two weeks after it was approved in the House in an overwhelming 351-66 vote.
The $740.5 billion annual bill, which Congress needs to pass every year to fund Pentagon operations, sets policy for the military, including how to spend the massive outlays. It also is a potent vehicle for lawmakers of both parties to pursue pet projects for their districts, institutions and states.
The final version of the bill in the Senate leaves intact most of the provisions that House Democrats wrote into the bill, including the establishment of a commission to rename military installations that honor Confederate leaders. The commissioners would recommend changes by the end of September 2021.
But the Senate version also includes several key changes requested by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other Republican senators. These changes include a provision to require the Department of Defense to develop a formal strategy for deterring Chinese aggression. Additionally, the bill sets restrictions on the use of hypersonic weapons and limits the president’s ability to transfer nuclear technology to other countries.
The Senate also approved a provision requiring the president to make a determination within 30 days on whether to review the Defense Department’s list of “major defense and intelligence programs” that could be considered for termination or adjustment.
The bill will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature, although he has vowed to veto the measure over the renaming provisions. A veto-proof majority has already been achieved in both chambers, however, meaning it will become law even if the president withholds his signature.
