Preventive Medical Services Petty Officer First Class Demetrius Roberson administers the COVID-19 vaccine to a soldier in Fort Knox, Kentucky, September 9, 2021.
John Cherry | Getty Images
The Senate passed a massive military policy bill on Thursday, directing the Pentagon to lift Covid vaccination requirements for military personnel and authorize $858 billion in defense spending.
The National Defense Authorization Act, an annual bill authorizing Pentagon spending and policies, passed the Senate by a vote of 83 to 11. Five Republicans and his six Democrats voted against the bill.
It passed the House last week, 350-80.
The bill is now on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature.
The bipartisan bill approves funding for Taiwan and Ukraine and a 4.6% wage hike for the military. It would also abolish military vaccination requirements. Republican prioritiesDemocratic leaders have allowed the new Covid language to ensure timely passage of the bill.
A Republican-backed amendment that pushed for immediate abolition of mandatory vaccinations rather than waiting a few weeks failed to meet the 60-vote threshold required for adoption in the Senate.
Another amendment, introduced by Senator Joe Manchin (DW.Va.), would review the process of licensing energy and infrastructure projects in the Licensing Bill, known as Allow Reform. It also did not reach the threshold of 60 votes.
