Senators: US Allies Concerned Senate Failure to Pass Annual Defense Bill

A bipartisan group of senators said Saturday that US allies were concerned that lawmakers would not be able to pass their annual defense policy bill before the end of the year for the first time in decades, Politico reported.

Senators, attending the Halifax International Security Forum, expressed concern about the upper house’s delay in adopting the National Defense Authorization Act.

“Normally, the NDAA has been approved by the Senate [by now], ”Sen. Roger wickerRoger Frederick Wicker Night Defense and National Security: A New Plan to Treat Marines Like Human Beings Republicans pressure Milley on perceived progressive military agenda Collins cast 8,000 consecutive roll call votes in Senate. (R-Miss.) He said, according to Politico. “There were a lot of us … who asked the Majority Leader to bring it up before so we have time.”

“We are not just teaching Americans, but the world, whether our democracy can solve real and urgent problems,” Sen. said. Chris CoonsChris Andrew Coons The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by ExxonMobil – House Will Vote On Biden’s Social Spending Bill After McCarthy Delay Can America Prevent Cold War Over Global Warming? China conducts a combat readiness drill after the congressional delegation arrives in Taiwan MORE (D-Del.) He said, according to Politico. “And there are consequences for our security and our position in the world if we cannot pass the NDAA and [pass an appropriations bill] this year.”

However, those senators promised they would pass the legislation before 2022.

Earlier this week, the Senate voted 84-15 to advance its annual defense policy bill to start the floor debate.

The competing proposals kept the bill in the House even though it was previously approved in the Senate with bipartisan support. Senators’ haggling over certain provisions, including competitive legislation on China, again delayed the bill.

Democrats seek to pass the bill when they return from the week-long Thanksgiving break, although it is unclear when and how they will reach a deal. Congress has six more weeks before the end of 2021.

Negotiations on the bill come as Senate Democrats are juggling a separate priority as they seek to shoulder huge social spending and a climate bill right after the recess.

Democrats are likely to be under pressure to pass it before the end of the year in an effort to win a victory for the party and the Biden administration, which has received declining approval ratings in recent weeks.