Tue Dec 24 05:43:57 UTC 2024: ## Biden Signs $895 Billion Defense Bill Despite Objections
**Washington, D.C. –** President Joe Biden signed a $895 billion defense bill into law on Monday, December 23rd, 2024, despite expressing strong objections to provisions restricting transgender healthcare coverage for military children and limiting the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees.
The bill, passed by the Senate 85-14 and the House 281-140, includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others. It also significantly increases funding for countering China’s growing influence, allocating resources to bolster Taiwan’s defenses and investing in advanced military technologies like artificial intelligence. Further, the bill expands the ban on Chinese products used by the military.
President Biden voiced his disapproval of the amendment barring transgender healthcare coverage for children of military families, stating it unfairly targets a specific group and undermines recruitment efforts. He also criticized restrictions on transferring Guantanamo Bay detainees. Despite these objections, he signed the bill into law, emphasizing the importance of the pay raises and investments in national security. The legislation will now require a subsequent spending package to fully implement its provisions.
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