Senate Democrats blocked the advancement of the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act on Tuesday in a 50-46 vote. The decision to halt the must-pass annual defense policy bill comes as a protest against the Trump administration's handling of the war with Iran.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other key Democrats stated they could not support the bill as the conflict enters its fifth month with no clear endgame in sight. Schumer argued that Republicans are ignoring the nation's most urgent national security crisis, while other Democrats cited frustration over President Donald Trump's failure to consult with Congress regarding the decision to send U.S. forces into the conflict.
The move follows the fiercest exchange of fire between the two countries in weeks. Democrats expressed frustration that the U.S. remains involved in the conflict despite a war powers resolution passed last month to force a ceasefire. The Senate's vote to block debate also centered on issues regarding war funding and defense cooperation with Israel.