Culture war consumes Congress as lawmakers confront spending deadline

Partisan culture wars are boiling over on House spending bills touching on even the most mundane agencies — complicating Congress’ efforts to keep the government operating past September.

Republican policy riders seeking to limit diversity efforts, drag shows, Pride flag displays and promotion of critical race theory are rife throughout the House’s dozen proposed annual spending bills, including those that would fund the national parks, pay for roads or maintain U.S. embassies abroad.

The cascade of social issues turning up in the must-pass bills is noteworthy for how it’s pervaded...