Democrat Shutdown Drags On As Senate OKs $925B Defense Bill

While the government remains shut down as Democrats continue to block a short-term spending bill, the Senate on Thursday approved a $925 billion defense package that scraps a Pentagon provision creating a chief DEI officer.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the policies and priorities of the Department of War for the next fiscal year, passed 77-20. Nearly all Republicans voted for the measure, while nineteen Democrats and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) voted against it. 

“I promised to prioritize the NDAA, and I’m glad the Senate delivered,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) announced after the vote. “While I’m proud our bill authorizes a much-deserved pay raise for our troops, I’m disappointed they won’t see it — or any paycheck, for that matter — until Democrats end the Schumer Shutdown. They’re holding our troops and their families hostage for political demands.”  

The bill includes authorizing the purchase of additional aircraft, missiles, and ships; directs the Pentagon to develop a strategy for “emerging biotechnologies”; extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative; and repeals existing DEI provisions across the military.

“We’re ready to show on both sides of the aisle that the Senate can act in the interest of national security and get something done on a bipartisan basis,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS). 

The House approved its $893 billion defense bill earlier this year, and lawmakers from both chambers must now hammer out a final version.

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The vote comes as the government shutdown enters the end of its second week, with repeated Senate efforts to authorize a short-term funding bill continuing to fall short. 

Thune said he may allow a vote on healthcare subsidies if Democrats agree to support the temporary funding bill. The Senate has repeatedly fallen five votes short of the total needed to reopen the government.

“None of this happens absent them voting to reopen the government,” Thune said Thursday. “Open up the government first, quit taking it hostage, and let’s get the American people and the federal workers. Let’s get them back to work.”