When a massive national defense bill was passed by the U.S. House last week, the main representatives of the ºüÀêÊÓƵ area split their votes along predictable party lines.
The House voted 217-199 to approve the $884 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which now goes to the Senate for consideration.
U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Town and Country, joined all but three GOP members in voting for the bill.
Wagner was the lead legislator on a measure that establishes an exchange program for experts on subjects such as artificial intelligence, cyber-security, counterterror and air defense.
"This amendment will help strengthen our U.S.-Israel relationship ... and help bring peace and prosperity to the region," Wagner said in a statement.
Wagner's 2nd District represents portions of south and west ºüÀêÊÓƵ County, along with Franklin County and parts of St. Charles, Jefferson and Warren counties.
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But the metro area's two Democratic member of Congress joined most all of their party's partners in voting against the measure — even though it contained more than $2.4 billion in defense contracts for the ºüÀêÊÓƵ area.
U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, who represents ºüÀêÊÓƵ city and parts of north and west ºüÀêÊÓƵ County, said she voted against the package because it adds "nearly $1 trillion in "our already bloated military budget."
Bush said the act "further expands the military-industrial complex, entrenches endless war, and contains numerous harmful provisions," Bush said.
She also said she opposes other provisions, such as ones that freeze jobs being filled on "diversity, equity and inclusion" criteria and limit access to abortion care for service members.
The bill passed by the House prohibits the defense department from paying for or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services, which would undo a policy put in place in 2022.
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois, joined Bush in opposing the measure.
Calling the defensive legislation "hyper-partisan," Budzinski also singled out the reproductive-health limits.
In a statement, Budzinski said, "Once again, Republican House leadership has put forward (legislation) that ignores the realities of a divided legislature."
Budzinski added that she plans to work with members of the U.S. Senate to draft compromise legislation that "respects the rights of those who put their lives on the line in service to our country."