House approves NDAA in near-party-line vote with Republican changes on social issues

Washington — The House on Friday narrowly approved the must-pass defense policy bill, ending uncertainty about its fate after Republicans pushed through a series of conservative policy amendments on abortion, diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and gender transition procedures. The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which sets policy for the Defense Department, cleared the House in a near-party-line vote, 219-210. Four Republicans voted against the bill, while four Democrats voted for it, support that rescued the defense measure from failure. The four GOP lawmakers who opposed the bill are: Reps. Eli Crane of Arizona, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Ken Buck…