The House voted 335-78 on Tuesday to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes a must-pass $740 million budget for defense spending.
Why it matters: President Trump has repeatedly threatened to veto the bill this year, demanding that Congress repeal a federal law that protects social media sites from legal liability. The NDAA has passed every year since 1962.
- Trump's opposition also grew after an amendment was added to rename 10 military bases that referenced the Confederacy.
Details: The bill also provides a pay raise for troops and would give paid parental leave for federal employees.
- The Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Anti-Discrimination Act — which would require federal agencies to create equal employment opportunity programs and protect workers from retaliation — is also included.
Our thought bubble, via Axios' Alayna Treene: Trump is still threatening to veto the defense spending bill, but it has strong bipartisan support. Most lawmakers hope that Trump's veto threats are hollow and that he'll cave once both chambers pass the bill with significant Republican support.
- Republican lawmakers also believe they have the votes to override a veto if needed.
What to watch: Although he said he would support the defense spending bill, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday that he would not override a presidential veto — putting him at odds with other top GOP members, including Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo).
