Biden vows to veto DOD appropriations bill.
President Biden Threatens to Veto Department of Defense Appropriations Bill
President Joe Biden has taken a strong stance against the House’s Department of Defense appropriations bill, warning that he would veto it if it reaches his desk without significant changes. The bill, which includes several provisions that the administration opposes, must first pass through the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Government Shutdown Looms
Congress is now facing the possibility of a government shutdown unless a deal can be reached in the coming weeks. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is tasked with finding a balance between appeasing hard-line conservatives and creating a bill that can pass the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats.
Controversial Provisions
House Republicans have added provisions to the bill that have drawn criticism from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB argues that these provisions could have devastating consequences, including harming access to reproductive healthcare, endangering LGBTQI+ Americans, hindering climate change initiatives, and preventing the promotion of diversity and inclusion.
Reproductive Healthcare Policy Under Fire
One of the most contentious issues in the bill is the Pentagon’s policy on reproductive healthcare. Republican lawmakers have criticized the policy, which covers reproductive healthcare not included in military insurance. The policy was implemented after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, prompting conservative states to pass restrictive abortion laws. The OMB defends the policy, stating that access to reproductive healthcare is critical for servicemembers and their families.
Senator’s Protest
Senator Tommy Tuberville has held up nominations and confirmations of DOD officials in protest of the reproductive healthcare policy. Despite the Department of Justice finding that the policy is lawful, Tuberville believes it violates federal law. Senate Democrats have a way to bypass his block, but they have not yet utilized it.
The Pentagon maintains that all service members should have equal access to healthcare, regardless of their location.
In July, President Biden also threatened to veto a Republican-backed appropriations bill for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies.
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