The House Armed Services Committee passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a 58-1 vote just after midnight on Thursday.
The $874 billion legislation funds the Defense Department's major initiatives to combat China, support Ukraine and keep the military running.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the committee, said the bill was a bipartisan effort that will "counter China's aggression, boost oversight of the Department of Defense, and support our servicemembers and their families."
"Additionally, this year's bill saves taxpayers billions of dollars while still making critical investments in innovative technologies and our defense industrial base," Rogers said in a statement.
But the bill also includes contentious provisions that led to hours of fighting between Democrats and Republicans.
Some of the amendments that were passed include eliminating the Pentagon's chief diversity officer and prohibiting the Defense Department from funding drag shows, among others.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the ranking member on the committee, said he does not support everything in the bill and vowed to continue the fight once the bill reaches the House floor later this year.
"We will continue to advocate for the priorities and values that make our military stronger and America safer, including ensuring that we have the most diverse, talented pool of individuals to recruit and retain to our Armed Forces," Smith said in a statement.
Also on Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee cleared the funding side of the defense bill, which also includes a number of contentious provisions.
Democrats have slammed the legislation for major cuts to civilian personnel, climate initiatives and DEI programs.
They have also criticized provisions targeting DEI programs, banning the Pentagon from enforcing its policy that reimburses servicemembers for travel costs to get an abortion and prohibiting federal funds for surgical procedures or hormone therapies for gender-affirming care, among others.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the committee's ranking member, said Republicans "have once again injected their own beliefs into the deeply personal health decisions of women."
"This bill does not advance our national defense," she said in a statement. "It does, however, harm our readiness, undermine morale, and fail to support our men and women in the armed services."
Read more, including on the lone Armed Services Democrat who voted against advancing the $874 billion bill, in a full report at TheHill.com.
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