The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. October 9, 2020. REUTERS Carlos Barria File Photo
WASHINGTON, Nov 29, Reuters - The U.S. Senate blocked the National Defense Authorization Act on Monday, despite opposition from Republicans and some liberal Democrats, but lawmakers will continue to work on the massive annual defense policy bill, which has become law for 60 straight years.
The measure could not get the 60 yes votes needed to advance to the passage in the 100-member Senate, because of the 45-51 vote.
The NDAA, which usually passes with strong bipartisan support, is closely watched by industry and other interests as it determines everything from how many ships are bought to pay increases for soldiers and how to address geopolitical threats.
The military budget should not be so large, because the country is not adequatelyaddressing issues such as healthcare, education and climate change, as a result of this year's legislation that allows some $770 billion in Pentagon spending, a reason some Democrats objected.
The NDAA's have become law every year since 1961, and they say it shows their support for the military. It is one of the few major bills to become law annually, which is used as a vehicle for legislation on issues from competition with China to cyber policy.
Republicans voted no because Democrats in the Senate didn't allow enough votes on amendments, including one that would have imposed sanctions on Nord Stream 2, a Russian-backed natural gas pipeline that opponents believe would be harmful to U.S. allies in Europe.
Senator Jim Inhofe, a ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the measure would eventually pass. I'm still very supportive of this bill and hope we will pass it soon, Inhofe said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the vote inexplicable and outrageous and accused Republicans of voting against the troops. He said that just because a number of Republicans didn't get every single concession they insisted on, they are halting the process.