Defense bill faces uncertain path amid Iran war concerns

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A major piece of defense legislation is facing an uncertain path on Capitol Hill after some Democratic lawmakers said they plan to oppose it, in protest of the war in Iran.

House Democratic lawmakers have been speaking out against the bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), in recent days because it does not end the war or any of the amendments they sought.

“President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have not earned Congress’s confidence,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), at a press conference on Tuesday. “I cannot, and I will not give them more money without first accountability, more authority without first restraint, or more opportunities to place American service members at risk without first, a lawful mission and a coherent plan.”

The $1 trillion must-past defense policy bill typically draws bipartisan support but has been stalled recently.

Senate Democrats blocked the bill from advancing last week while the House version advanced on Tuesday.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday that the timeline for passage in his chamber remains uncertain.

“Right now, I don’t know when that happens, but I know there’s a sincere interest on our side in trying to accommodate the need that our military has to be prepared to face any kind of threat that we face around the world,” Thune said.

Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., said that Democrats tried to find common ground while working on the NDAA with the GOP. She also said that it lacks transparency.

“This week, we’re being asked to sign another blank check for this Pentagon, the biggest military budget in American history,” Goodlander said. “In the midst of a war of choice that defies common sense and our Constitution.”

Republicans have also been attempting to approve funding for the war through a separate reconciliation bill that could be signed into law without Democratic support. Divisions among GOP members over the bill’s contents could complicate that effort. House lawmakers are set to leave for August recess on Thursday, adding time pressure to the debate.