Senate Democrats Block Pentagon Funding Bill Over Iran War

Senate Democrats have blocked a key procedural step on the annual defense policy bill, citing concerns about the U.S. military campaign in Iran and the size of the package’s funding target. The legislation, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, is a mustpass measure that authorizes Pentagon and military funding. Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee also opposed advancing the bill earlier, while Republicans argued that moving it forward would allow amendments to be added later. Sen. Chuck Schumer said the bill should not be treated as routine while the administration is carrying out what he called an unauthorized war in Iran. Republican Sen. Jim Banks and other GOP lawmakers criticized Democrats for delaying a bill they say is important to troop support and military readiness.