Senate passes $858 billion annual defense spending bill, reverses COVID vaccine mandate for military

The Senate has passed legislation authorizing a massive $858 billion annual defense spending, which is $45 billion more than President Joe Biden proposed.

The bill includes $10 billion in security aid for Taiwan, $800 million for Ukraine, and $6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, which will increase the readiness of U.S. forces in Europe.

In addition, the spending bill authorizes $211 billion for personnel & health, $19 billion for military construction, $30 billion for nuclear programs, and provides a 4.6% raise for service members, according to CBS News.

The bill will also fund the development of hypersonic weapons and purchase additional weapons systems.

CBS reported that the bill ends the COVID vaccine mandate for service members. As of now, those who aren’t vaccinated are not allowed to deploy. 

After the usual back and forth between Republicans and Democrats, the Senate eventually passed the National Defense Authorization Act by an overwhelming 83-11 bipartisan majority. The bill also received bipartisan support in the House as well, where it was passed last week.