US EditionSenate Makes Deal to Vote on Stalled Defense Policy Bill
The Senate passed a $914 billion defense bill with a 77-20 vote after resolving amendment disputes, enabling conference talks with the House amid an ongoing government shutdown.
- On Thursday, the United States Senate approved the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act by a 77-20 vote, authorizing roughly $925 billion.
- The bill aims to set spending and policy priorities for FY2026, authorizing roughly $879 billion for the Pentagon and about $35 billion for the Department of Energy, and requires the Pentagon to report on audit progress before the 2028 statutory deadline.
- Military members would receive a 3.8% pay raise and a $50 million boost for education services for military children, while the bill creates new Department of Defense offices for cybersecurity, nuclear security and energy, and AI innovation and oversight.
- Despite the government shutdown, senators moved the bill forward amid Day 9, and lawmakers aren't expected back until Tuesday, risking delayed paychecks for military service members.
- Passage allows the House of Representatives and United States Senate to enter conference negotiations, addressing the Senate's $32 billion increase above the Pentagon request before a final bill can be signed later this year.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Senate passes defense policy bill to conference with House
Despite the ongoing federal shutdown, the Senate voted 77-20 tonight to pass the annual defense authorization bill, teeing the legislation up to be conferenced with the House. The bill has been stalled on the floor for weeks but Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced a breakthrough on allowing votes for nearly 20 amendments. Among the more noteworthy votes of the night was the voice-vote passage of an amendment au…
Senate defies shutdown gridlock to pass annual defense bill
In a rare note of bipartisanship that defied shutdown drama, the Senate passed its annual defense bill Thursday after a voting marathon that became a referendum on Donald Trump’s authority as president. It took weeks and a series of symbolic concessions to Democrats to jump-start the National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the Pentagon’s policy priorities and authorizes its spending. GOP leadership agreed to let the Senate vote on Trump’s…
Fox 4 Kansas City
Senate makes deal to vote on stalled defense policy bill
The Senate could pass its annual defense policy bill as soon as Thursday after the legislation was stalled for more than a month. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) secure…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
