Senate passes $700 billion defense policy bill, backing Trump call for steep increase in military spending

‘The Senate passed a roughly $700 billion National Defense Authorization Act on Monday but failed to include an amendment that would have eliminated the automatic spending cuts under the controversial sequester mechanism.
The NDAA, which sets forth the Pentagon’s budget and major programs for the next fiscal year, does authorize an additional $8.5 billion for the Missile Defense Agency to strengthen homeland, regional and space missile defense. That authorization is $630 million above the Trump administration’s request.
The final vote was 89 to eight. It required a simple majority to pass the Senate.

The 2018 national defense bill also authorizes just over $141 billion for military personnel costs, including costs of pay, bonuses, benefits and moving expenses. It provides a 2.1 percent increase in pay for troops.’
Read more: Senate passes $700 billion defense policy bill, backing Trump call for steep increase in military spending