The House of Representatives has passed a defense policy bill that authorizes the largest pay raise for troops in over two decades. The $886 billion bill, which represents a 3% increase from the previous year's spending, was approved by a strong majority of 310-118 votes. The measure now awaits President Joe Biden's signature after it was passed by the Senate on Wednesday.

Despite objections from some conservatives, who argued that the bill did not do enough to restrict the Pentagon's diversity initiatives, abortion travel policy, and gender-affirming healthcare for transgender service members, the legislation received broad, bipartisan support. Negotiators dropped the priorities championed by social conservatives to secure its passage.

The defense policy bill serves as a blueprint for programs that Congress will seek to fund through follow-up spending bills. Lawmakers have been engaged in months-long negotiations to reconcile the strikingly different versions passed by each chamber in July.

One of the most contentious aspects was the inclusion of a short-term extension of a surveillance program aimed at preventing terrorism and catching spies. Detractors from both sides of the political aisle have criticized the program as a threat to the privacy of ordinary Americans. Some House Republicans expressed their frustration that the extension was incorporated into the defense policy bill rather than being voted on separately through other legislation.

In a win for Republicans, the bill includes concessions on diversity and inclusion training in the military. This includes freezing hiring for such training until a full accounting of the programming and costs is provided to Congress. However, it does not include language sought by House Republicans to restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender service members or block the Pentagon's abortion travel policy.

Furthermore, the bill addresses concerns about U.S. assistance to Ukraine by creating a special inspector general for the country. This will ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent in Ukraine as intended, in addition to oversight work being conducted by other agency watchdogs.

The legislation also includes provisions from Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) that would require the president to obtain the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of Congress before withdrawing U.S. membership from NATO. This provision appears to take into account the stance of former President Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to "fundamentally reevaluate" NATO's purpose and mission.

With the defense policy bill's passage, it is likely to be the last major legislation considered by Congress before the holiday break. However, negotiations are ongoing regarding a bill to aid Ukraine and Israel, as well as boost border security.

Overall, the defense policy bill's approval signifies a significant pay raise for troops, sets priorities for future funding, and addresses a range of contentious issues.