US Senate Democrats blocked a $1.15 trillion annual defense policy bill, citing frustration with the Iran war and President Donald Trump’s failure to consult with Congress about his decision to send US forces into the conflict.
Procedural Vote Fails
The procedural vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) failed, with 50 yes votes and 46 no votes, falling short of the 60 votes needed to move ahead in the 100-member Senate. Every Republican voted in favor of moving ahead, except for the chamber’s Republican majority leader, John Thune of South Dakota, who voted no under Senate rules only in order to enter a motion to reconsider.
Democrats are concerned that authorizing a huge Pentagon budget would be seen as approval of the war on Iran that began with strikes by the US and Israel on February 28. The Trump administration has also pushed to increase military spending to a total of $1.5 trillion, even as social programs for Americans are being cut.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
