Summary
Senate Democrats are deciding how to handle a vote on funding the Defense Department. They are unsure if Majority Leader John Thune will propose a defense bill alone or with other bills. This decision comes as Democrats consider their strategy amid a government shutdown issue.
Key Facts
- Senate Democrats met privately to discuss their response to a proposed Defense Department funding vote.
- Majority Leader John Thune plans to push for a decision but Democrats are unsure of his exact plan.
- Democrats need clarity on whether the defense bill will be standalone or combined with other bills.
- Some Democrats are ready to block a procedural vote moving the defense funding forward.
- There is internal debate among Democrats about the political impact of the vote related to a government shutdown.
- Some Democrats worry voting for the bill might reduce their negotiating power over health care-related shutdown issues.
- Democrat Senator Chris Coons said he would oppose proceeding without clear information.
- Senator Mark Kelly highlighted the rising concern over health care costs as a priority issue.
