US Congress Sends $886 Billion Defense Policy Bill to Biden

The US House voted 310-118 to clear a compromise defense authorization bill that boosts Pacific region alliances, national security pacts and technology investments to parry China’s growing influence and aim at Taiwan.

The measure (H.R. 2670) now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature. House leaders skirted traditional rules process to pass the massive bill, brushing aside ultraconservative Republicans’ opposition over two issues: preservation of the Pentagon’s abortion travel policy, and extension of controversial electronic spying for a few months.

The Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 87-13 Wednesday.

The measure advances the trilateral security ...