Senate Passes Defense Bill Revoking Military COVID Vax Mandate

The Senate has passed a military spending bill worth $858 billion that includes a provision to revoke the military’s Covid-19 vaccine requirement.

The legislation, called the “National Defense Authorization Act,” passed with widespread support from both parties, with 83 votes in favor and 11 against. Among those voting against the bill were five Republicans and six Democrats.

The National Defense Authorization Act is a must-pass piece of legislation that authorizes annual military appropriations.

The inclusion of the vaccine rollback provision, which was backed by Republicans, has attracted criticism from Joe Biden, who has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill into law.

An amendment that would have reinstated military personnel who were dismissed for refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus was voted down in the Senate. The House of Representatives also failed to pass the amendment when it approved the National Defense Authorization Act last week.

A second amendment, proposed by Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, which aimed to fast-track the federal approval process for issuing permits for energy-related projects, was also not taken up by the House.

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