House narrowly passes massive annual defense policy bill
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- The House passed a nearly $1.15 trillion annual defense policy bill on Wednesday by a narrow 216-212 vote, advancing the measure amid tension over military spending.
- The vote broke across party lines unusually, with six Democrats voting in favor and seven Republicans voting against the bill.
Why it matters: The four-vote margin on a $1.15 trillion defense package, with six Democrats joining the majority and seven Republicans defecting, demonstrates that military spending remains one of the few areas where party lines cross. The narrow passage leaves the bill politically fragile heading into conference with the Senate.
