Key GOP Senator Suggests Deal on Defense Authorization Bill

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker said he’s ready to move the annual defense authorization bill, pending unanimous consent from senators.

Wicker (R-Miss.) said leaders are finally in position to to take up the massive policy bill (S. 2296), after it languished on the floor because of other priorities, including reopening the government and nominations.

Top panel Democrat Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.) said in an interview the armed services leaders have worked out a second managers’ package of amendments as well as a series of stand-alone provisions that would get an up or down vote.

On Thursday, ...