Washington, July 23 (RHC)-- The Democratic-controlled House has approved a $740 billion military spending package — a $2 billion increase from the previous year.  A group of antiwar Democrats had pushed for a 10% Pentagon budget cut, but 139 House Democrats joined with Republicans to defeat the measure.  

Over 100 House Democrats also joined with Republicans to reject a proposal to accelerate the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.  Congressmember Ilhan Omar, who had submitted the proposal, tweeted: “20 yrs later, Congress is still not willing to support withdrawing our troops from Afghanistan.  Endless wars continue to take lives and disable so many. It is long past time to end this war.” 

In other news from Capitol Hill, the Senate has rejected a bipartisan effort to limit the transfer of military gear, including tear gas, grenade launchers and weaponized drones, to local police departments.