Senate Democrats Block $1.15tn Defense Bill

US Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a $1.15tn annual defense policy bill, citing opposition to the war with Iran and President Donald Trump’s decision to send US forces into the conflict without consulting Congress.

“Trump started this war without authorization, without a strategy, and without an exit”, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.

The procedural vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) failed despite a 50–46 majority in favor, as 60 votes were required for the measure to advance.

The vote fell almost entirely along party lines. Every Republican supported moving ahead except Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, who voted against the motion for procedural reasons so that he could seek reconsideration.

Democrats fear that approving a record $1.15tn Pentagon budget would be seen as endorsing the war with Iran, which began with US and Israeli strikes on 28 February. They also oppose the administration’s effort to raise total military spending to $1.5tn while social programs are being cut.

Despite the setback, the legislative process remains at an early stage. The House and Senate must each pass their own version of the bill before negotiators produce a compromise measure for another vote in both chambers.

(Reuters, bak)