USA Today:
WASHINGTON — The Houseon Thursday voted overwhelmingly to pass a massive $717 billion defense bill that would authorize a pay raise for troops and scores of new fighter jets, warships and other hardware — all while advancing President Trump’s policies on everything from sanctions against Russia to his request for a military parade through the streets of Washington.
The National Defense Authorization Act, which passed 351-66, is a blueprint that merely authorizes spending on various programs and policies and doesn’t actually provide any money for the military. The Senate is working on its own version of the defense authorization bill.
“The key focus of this bill is restoring readiness to ensure that when our men and women in uniform go out on mission, they have the best equipment, the best training and the best support our nation can provide,” said Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
