BIG PAY RAISE FOR TROOPS IN DEFENSE BILL SENT TO BIDEN. CONSERVATIVES STYMIED ON CULTURAL ISSUES

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has passed a defense policy bill that authorizes the biggest pay raise for troops in more than two decades. Supporters overcame objections from some conservatives concerned it didn’t do enough on cultural issues, such as restricting the Pentagon’s diversity initiatives and gender-affirming health care for transgender service members. The Senate had already overwhelmingl…