US Senate Democrats Block $1.15 Trillion Defense Bill Over Iran War

On July 14, the Senate voted 50‑46 to block debate on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual defense policy bill that would fund a $1.15 trillion Pentagon budget. Senators said the measure would effectively endorse President Donald Trump’s ongoing war in Iran and deepen U.S.–Israel military cooperation. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the bill a “permission slip” for the war, warning that “Trump started this war without authorization, without a strategy, and without an exit.” Because the procedural vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance, the NDAA was stalled.

Meanwhile, House Republicans introduced a $95 billion budget resolution aimed at supplementing Pentagon spending for the Iran conflict, providing farm aid, and advancing President Trump’s election‑law reforms. The plan seeks to raise the total Pentagon budget to about $1.4 trillion and would be pursued through a reconciliation process that bypasses the Senate filibuster. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats have pledged to block any supplemental funding that lacks an amendment prohibiting its use for the Iran war, warning of a possible government shutdown if negotiations fail.