After Rejecting Agreement To Vote On 19 Amendments, Senate Republicans Block Bipartisan Defense Legislation Despite Bill’s Inclusion Of Dozens Of GOP Amendments

Senate GOP Rejected A Bipartisan Agreement from SASC Chair Reed & Ranking Member Inhofe to Vote on 19 Amendments (Nearly Half are GOP-led)

Washington, D.C. –  Senate Republicans voted today to block the Senate from advancing the FY2022 Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), despite the fact that the legislation was crafted by Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ranking Member Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and contains 27 Republican-led amendments. This latest Republican obstruction comes after Senate Republicans rejected a bipartisan agreement before Thanksgiving from Senators Reed and Inhofe to hold roll call votes on 19 amendments (9 of which are led by Republicans), which would be more roll call votes on amendments to the NDAA in the Senate than the last four years under Leader McConnell combined. 

Republicans rejected a fair and generous compromise from Senate Democrats to hold roll call votes on nineteen amendments to NDAA – 19 amendment votes would be more amendment votes on the NDAA than Leader McConnell allowed in the last four years to the  NDAA combined.

[Source: Congress.Gov]

This Senate has already held more roll call votes on amendments than any year under McConnell/Trump – and more than the last two years combined (excluding the three votearamas the Senate has already had this year).

[Source: Congress.Gov]

Republicans have repeatedly stressed that we need to pass the FY22 NDAA ASAP but are now the only reason for its delay.

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY): “Even the NDAA is stuck in limbo. The defense authorization bill is our most basic opportunity to shape security policy. It is a core duty for the senate majority, the bare minimum.” … “This unseriousness will leave Americans less safe. It's just that simple.” [Floor Remarks, 10/27/21]

Sen. John Thune (R-SD): “It is just a, it's an incredible just a lack of responsibility when it comes to addressing the issues that are so important to our country's national security and we can't afford to wait any longer to deal with it.” [Press Conference, 11/2/21]

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA):  The #NDAA passed out of @SASCGOP 3 months ago with bipartisan support:

?? Takes care of our troops

?? Pushes back on China & Russia

?? Strengthens our fighting force

It’s a win for all Americans, and Democrats need to bring it up for a vote ASAP. [Twitter, 11/3/21]

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE): “Any delay by Sen. Schumer really shows a lack of prioritization for this country's defense, but it also shows a lack of seriousness about those threats that we're facing.” [Press Conference, 11/2/21]

Senator John Hoeven (R-ND): “Our men and women in uniform defend us and our nation every single day. That’s why we need the Senate to bring up and promptly pass the NDAA – doing so supports our servicemembers, shows strength to our adversaries and ensures our nuclear triad remains effective.” [Twitter, 11/2/21]

Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL): “It’s time @SenSchumer stops playing political games & immediately brings the NDAA for a vote.” [Twitter, 11/2/21]

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC): “Every day that Chuck Schumer delays this bill on the floor is another day military families are going to wonder whether or not they're going to get a pay raise.” [Press Conference, 11/2/21]

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL): “What’s the best way to thank our soldiers and sailors for their service, @SenSchumer? Bring the NDAA for a full floor vote.

[Twitter, 11/2/21] 

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