U.S. House Passes $625.1 Billion Defense Policy Measure

The House passed a $625.1 billion defense authorization bill for the current fiscal year that would revamp how the U.S. military handles sexual-assault cases while approving the Pentagon’s request for F-35 fighters and combat ships.

Congressional negotiators resorted to a compromise measure after gridlock in the Senate last month threatened to derail the legislation. A defense policy bill has been enacted for 51 consecutive years, a record lawmakers cite as a sign of bipartisan support for the military.

In an effort to ensure this year’s measure becomes law, the House is using a parliamentary move that will shorten the time that must elapse before a Senate vote next week. The House passed the bill 350-69, and the Senate is expected to consider it before adjourning for the year.

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