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The Senate has made significant progress on a crucial funding package for the Pentagon during the ongoing government shutdown. On Thursday, lawmakers advanced their version of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, a substantial bill that had faced a lengthy delay. This milestone came as the government shutdown entered its ninth day with no resolution in sight.
The National Defense Authorization Act is pivotal as it authorizes approximately $925 billion for defense spending. The upper chamber approved the bill with a bipartisan vote, overcoming hurdles that had stalled its progress for over a month. This breakthrough occurred after a lengthy Senate session dedicated to voting on various amendments.
The urgency of the situation was apparent as military service members faced a potential interruption in their paychecks. With the Senate not expected to return until Tuesday, uncertainty looms over the payment schedules for those serving in the armed forces.
Political Dynamics in the Senate
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, announced the advancement of the bill on the Senate floor. His remarks highlighted the unusual bipartisan support for the NDAA, stating that despite the prevailing partisan atmosphere, it managed to clear the committee on a nearly unanimous vote earlier in the year.
Wicker emphasized the achievement by saying, “In this time, when we can’t seem to muster up a 60-vote majority to keep us in business as a federal government, we were able to pass the National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 26-to-1.”
Obstacles Overcome by Lawmakers
Progress on the legislative package became possible after Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, lifted his hold on the bill. Gallego had previously sought a vote on an amendment to prevent military funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt, a woman who lost her life during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. The Air Force had offered military funeral honors to Babbitt in August 2021.
Senate Activities and Amendments
During the whirlwind Senate session, lawmakers swiftly addressed more than a dozen partisan amendments and considered about 50 additional modifications to the legislative package before final approval. The House had already passed its version of the NDAA in the previous month.
Notably, several amendments faced rejection, including one proposed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York. This amendment aimed to prevent funding for retrofitting a Boeing 747 that was received from the Qatari government earlier this year. Another failed amendment from Senator Chris Van Hollen aimed to limit the National Guard’s ability to move between states without authorization from governors or mayors.
Key Amendments Passed
Among the successful amendments, one from Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, sought to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force in Iraq. This authorization initially granted power to then-President George W. Bush to utilize military force as deemed necessary following the September 11 attacks. The amendment also aimed to repeal a similar resolution passed during the Gulf War in 1991. Both the Senate and House versions of the bill support repealing these lengthy-standing authorizations.
Concerns Over Military Deployments
Yet, not all senators were satisfied with the advancement of the NDAA. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, expressed her intention to block the package due to concerns about recent military deployments. She sought to initiate an investigation regarding what she described as a gross abuse of military power, particularly in reference to National Guard deployments to urban areas such as Chicago.
However, Duckworth ultimately withdrew her threat after Wicker assured her that a hearing on the National Guard’s deployments would take place in the coming weeks. She stated, “I look forward to asking tough questions of the Trump administration about their unconstitutional National Guard deployments to American cities against state and local officials’ objections.”
The Path Ahead for the NDAA
As the Senate takes a step forward with the National Defense Authorization Act, the bill now moves into negotiations with the House to reconcile differences between the two versions. The urgency surrounding military funding amidst the government shutdown adds another layer of complexity to these discussions.
Lawmakers are keenly aware of the imperative to ensure that military members receive their compensation without interruption. As the situation evolves, attention will be focused on how quickly a final agreement can be reached. The fate of the NDAA will also reflect the broader political climate as negotiations continue against the backdrop of a deeply divided Congress.
While the advancement of this essential defense legislation signifies progress, the journey toward a finalized path is fraught with challenges. The outcome will ultimately depend on the ability of lawmakers to navigate their differences and prioritize national security concerns during this critical period.
