House Approves Defense Policy Bill

WASHINGTON — Despite a vague veto threat by President Barack Obama, the House on Thursday easily passed a major defense policy bill that calls for continued development of a costly alternative engine for the Pentagon's next-generation fighter jet.
The bill, passed by a 281-146 vote, also prohibits the Obama administration from transferring any detainees being held at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba to the U.S. until 45 days after the administration submits a comprehensive plan for closing the controversial prison.
The measure, which included a 3.4 percent pay increase for the military that was a half-percentage point more than Obama requested, now goes to the Senate.
While the bill challenges the administration on jet engines and Guantanamo prisoners, Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates prevailed in killing the jobs-rich but over-budget F-22 fighter program, which has its origins in the Cold War era and is poorly suited for anti-insurgent battles in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The bill contains unrelated legislation strengthening federal hate crimes laws. That infuriated many Republicans, who said the pro-military measure shouldn't carry social legislation. LinkHere

GOP Leaders Voting Against Defense Bill Because Of Protections For Gays

AP WASHINGTON — Assaulting people because of their sexual orientation would become a federal hate crime in legislation the House is set to vote on Thursday. The bill would significantly expand the hate crimes law enacted in the days after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968.
With the expected House passage and eventual approval by the Senate, federal prosecutors will for the first time be able to intervene in cases of violence perpetrated against gays based on their sexual orientation. LinkHere