U.S. House Republicans approved the annual defense authorization bill on a tight, largely party-line vote after Democrats rebelled against the measure, which bans the Pentagon’s travel policy for abortions and includes other social issues.
The massive defense policy measure, which passed 219-210, became a magnet for culture wars over far-right House Republican demands to load the crucial national security legislation with hot-button topics. Four Democrats voted in favor of the must-pass measure, while four Republicans voted against it.
“Anything that detracts from the mission, which is to protect our nation and make us the most effective fighting force on earth, is a distraction and a waste of money,” Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., said on Twitter. “And that includes rainbow bullets on a helmet!”
