Trump Today: Trump touts defense bill that includes Space Force, pay raise for troops

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Associated Press

President Donald Trump urged Congress to pass a defense bill that includes a raise for the troops and creates his Space Force.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday indicated he would sign a defense bill Congress is considering, saying it fulfills priorities including the creation of his Space Force and paid parental leave for federal workers.

NDAA

Trump’s comments about the National Defense Authorization Act came on Twitter, where he said “Congress – don’t delay this anymore! I will sign this historic defense legislation immediately!”

The House was expected to vote on the $738 billion defense bill Wednesday.

As reported by the Washington Post, Trump struck a deal with House Democrats that permits the creation of his Space Force in exchange for extending 12 weeks of paid parental leave to more than 2 million federal workers. Those workers don’t now have guaranteed access to paid family leave. The bill establishes Space Force as the sixth U.S. armed service, residing within the Air Force.

Read more: Trump set to officially create his Space Force.

The measure also contains a 3.1% pay raise for U.S. troops.

ENERGY SECRETARY

Trump was also scheduled to participate in a ceremonial swearing in for Dan Brouillette, who was confirmed Dec. 2 as energy secretary. Brouillette is a former Ford Motor Co. F, +0.44%   lobbyist, and replaced Rick Perry to become the second head of the Energy Department under Trump.

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