Senate Democrats Block Bid to Consider Pentagon Spending Bill

Senate Democrats blocked a procedural vote Thursday on a measure to fund the Defense Department, pushing for a broader plan on spending bills.

Senators voted 50-44 to block the fiscal 2026 defense appropriations bill (H.R. 4016), falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance. But Republicans managed to attract some Democratic defectors — Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.) and John Fetterman (Pa.) voted in favor.

“It is critical that the Senate and Congress return to a bipartisan appropriations approach and try to begin rebuilding trust,” Shaheen said. “This vote would allow us to consider ...