After a strong bipartisan committee vote advancing the fiscal year 2026 Defense appropriations bill, Senate Democrats blocked the same legislation on the Senate floor. The move has led to criticism from House Republican leaders, who argue that this action prolongs uncertainty for military service members and delays funding for national defense.
The Defense appropriations bill, which passed the committee with a 26 to 3 vote, was previously praised for its focus on strengthening U.S. deterrence, investing in defense capabilities, and providing resources to military personnel. However, on the Senate floor, Democrats opposed moving the bill forward.
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “The bill didn’t change; their political calculus did. Senate Democrats abandoned our military and their own record on the legislation. Besides the blatant hypocrisy, not funding our nation’s defense in a dangerous world for the sake of partisan games is the height of irresponsibility. Our men and women in uniform don’t walk away from their duties when things get hard. Yet, they just watched Senators do exactly that. This would have been another bill sent to conference – one that, once complete, would have ensured paychecks for those who serve. Certainty for our heroes and the many programs and investments critical to our national security is something every member should support. Each day this shutdown goes on, the harder the timeline becomes on full-year appropriations bills. Sidelining Congress and the opportunities we have to advance regular order – and our Article I responsibilities – is a disservice to the institution and the American people. If Senate Democrat Appropriators can’t be for keeping government open, supporting our troops, or advancing the very bill they helped write – what exactly are they for?”
Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) added, “Funding our core federal government functions is the constitutional responsibility of the Appropriations Committee and Congress. I believe nothing is more important than providing the resources necessary to keep America safe and support our troops. By voting against the consideration of a bipartisan defense appropriations bill, Senate Democrats just rejected the opportunity to join Republicans in crafting this critical legislation. If Senate Democrats continue to allow the political pressure from their radical base to put them in a state of legislative paralysis, Congress will remain unable to fulfill our constitution role, putting our country and its national security in danger.”
The dispute centers on whether delaying passage of the defense funding bill puts national security at risk and impacts pay certainty for service members. Republican leaders argue that continued shutdowns complicate efforts to pass full-year appropriations bills and disrupt regular Congressional processes.
