Senate Democrats block defense bill to protest Iran hostilities

Senate Democrats on Tuesday prevented the National Defense Authorization Act from advancing, citing ongoing US military operations against Iran.

• All Senate Democrats voted against advancing the defense bill, denying the 60 votes needed for cloture.
• Chuck Schumer said his party cannot support the NDAA as long as the US remains in combat with Iran.
• Donald Trump earlier threatened a 20% fee on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz but later withdrew the proposal while vowing to maintain the blockade of Iranian ports.
• Republican leader John Thune accused Democrats of putting politics ahead of support for service members.