Senate Democrats block military spending bill in protest
Image: Kevin Carter
Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a procedural vote to advance the ~$1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), preventing the annual defense bill from moving to the Senate floor in a 50-46 vote with all Dems against.
Some quick background: The NDAA has become law every year for more than six decades and is widely viewed as one of Congress' few annual must-pass bills. This year’s version would authorize a range of military priorities, including a 3.6% pay raise for service members and investments in shipbuilding, drone technology, and other Pentagon programs.
- While lawmakers have sparred over previous versions, it's uncommon for one party to block the Senate from even opening debate.
- The last time that happened was in 2010, when Republicans stalled a Democratic-led defense bill during a dispute over repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Democrats cite two major sticking points
Lawmakers say they’re pushing back against President Trump’s military campaign in Iran, arguing Congress shouldn't advance its annual defense bill while the war continues without additional congressional oversight.
- The vote came a day after the White House notified Congress that US bombing operations have now resumed following a short-lived ceasefire.
- Since the conflict began, Congress has voted more than 10 times on war powers resolutions aimed at limiting or ending the military campaign, but none have become law.
The size of the defense budget is also an area of concern for Democratic lawmakers. While the NDAA would only authorize ~$1.15 trillion in military spending for FY2027, the White House is also seeking to add $350 billion to the budget via reconciliation, avoiding the need for Democratic support.
Some Democrats have balked at boosting America’s defense spending from ~$900 billion/year to the GOP’s proposed ~$1.5 trillion budget, arguing the extra money should be put towards other domestic programs.
Republicans and the White House say the increased spending is necessary to modernize the military, counter growing global threats, restore force readiness, and boost domestic manufacturing.
Looking ahead…Despite this week’s setback, it’s still early in the NDAA process. The House and Senate typically each pass their own versions before negotiators end up working out a compromise bill.
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that the Trump administration's proposed defense budget focuses on expanding military spending without making meaningful trade-offs, and raise concerns that more funding paired with less oversight could increase waste and reduce accountability.
- Others contend that dramatically expanding military spending while cutting funding for healthcare, housing, food assistance, and other public services sends the wrong message about the country's priorities. They argue taxpayer dollars should do more to strengthen communities at home instead of continuing to grow the defense budget.
- “Here Are 1.5 Trillion Reasons Not to Trust Pete Hegseth’s Budget” –Noah Shachtman, NY Times
- “The War Machine, and the War Budget, Are Out of Control—Let’s Change That” –Kevin Martin, Common Dreams
- “Don’t boost defense spending” –Times Union Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that a bigger US defense budget reflects the reality of a more dangerous world, and say major investments in military readiness, modern equipment, and stronger weapons production today is the best way to prevent larger conflicts down the road.
- Others contend that rebuilding America's military is necessary, but it shouldn't come at the cost of ignoring the nation's long-term finances. They argue that lawmakers need to strengthen national defense while also tackling the growing federal debt.
- “The right way to raise the military budget to $1.5 trillion” –WaPo Editorial Board
- “Trump is right to rearm America” –Washinton Examiner Editorial Board
- “We must spend big on defense to save America’s economic might” –Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
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