Staff Reports
The Senate is trying to pass the annual Defense Authorization bill before the recess, which is scheduled to begin in late June. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wants to avoid a confrontation with the other senators, but Republicans are unhappy with how he is managing the floor.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has allowed several votes on legislation introduced by senators from both parties to be included in the national defense budget. This move is aimed at avoiding the drama that occurred when the House passed its version of this legislation earlier this month. Although the bill is widely regarded as a bipartisan measure, many House Democrats voted against it due to the inclusion of controversial amendments.
The Senate has just three days to pass its annual defense bill before lawmakers skip town for the August recess.
The deadline is a self-imposed one that would free the chamber up to work through a long to-do list once it returns in September.https://t.co/BI2LrRTLXL
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 25, 2023
Due to the Senate's rules, which give the minority party the ability to obstruct legislation, Democrats are forced to yield to Republicans in order to pass the National Defense Authorization Act. Although Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will allow a debate on one controversial measure, which is related to the Pentagon's abortion policy, his goal is to end the blockade so that the bill can pass.
The Senate must pass the NDAA before it leaves for a five-week recess. Once Congress returns in September, it will have to reach a deal on the legislation and fund the defense budget through a separate bill. Failure to do so would lead to a government shutdown.
