Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked advancement of the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act, protesting President Donald Trump's resumption of hostilities in Iran and provisions to integrate U.S. and Israeli military operations.
The chamber voted 50-46 against opening debate, falling short of the 60 votes required to proceed. All Democrats present opposed the measure, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune voted against it to preserve the option of bringing it up again. The White House had formally notified Congress on Monday that hostilities in Iran have resumed.
A coalition of 14 organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and CODEPINK, urged lawmakers to oppose the bill unless guaranteed a vote on an amendment barring funding for the Iran war. Trump recently threatened a 20% security fee on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz but backed down earlier this week. The legislation would authorize a 3.6% pay raise for troops and fund new unmanned weapons systems.