US Senate Democrats Halt Progress on NDAA Defense Bill

U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked progress on the country’s annual defense policy bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signaling their opposition to war with Iran. The bill, which is usually passed with broad bipartisan support, failed to advance in a Senate vote by 50 in favor to 46 against. Although there are still several months left before the bill’s deadline for passage, the Senate’s inability to move it forward highlights a deep divide over war with Iran and its impact on U.S. Defense Department policy and funding. Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic senator and the senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told reporters before the vote that the bill effectively amounts to support for war with Iran. He said: “In my view, this bill means continuing to fund the war, while this administration has had no accountability. Before I vote for the National Defense Authorization Act, I want the administration to clarify its strategy and its ultimate plan regarding Iran, and to obtain congressional approval in accordance with the War Powers Act.” Tammy Duckworth, another Democratic senator on the committee, had also warned that she would not vote to advance the bill unless her proposed amendment to prevent any additional funding for offensive operations against Iran was included. In a statement, she said: “