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Senate Rejects $1.15 T Defense Bill Over Iran War

7/15/2026

47 6 Full Breakdown

Center

Senate Democrats Block

Senate Democrats used the annual defense bill vote to signal opposition to President Donald Trump’s renewed war against Iran.
The Senate rejected the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act by a 50-46 vote, missing the 60-vote threshold.
John Thune switched to a “no” vote to permit later reconsideration of the bill.
Republicans cited a 3.6 percent raise and a B-21 bomber, saying blocking the bill harms security.

Left

Trump Reinstates Blockade

Renewed U.S.–Iran fighting has killed over 30 Iranian civilians and lifted Brent crude to $87 a barrel.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune voted no on the $1.15 trillion defense bill to enable its reconsideration.
President Donald Trump reinstated blockade of Iranian ports and briefly proposed a 20 percent Hormuz toll.
Analysts report over half of Tomahawk and JASSM missiles are used, depleting long-range strike capability.

History

Historical Context

The October 1973 Yom Kippur War prompted the United States to launch Operation Nickel Grass, airlifting about 22,325 tons of arms to Israel while OPEC’s oil embargo sparked the 1973 energy crisis. Congress responded with the 1974 Defense Appropriations Act, a $13 billion, 12 % boost. In 2020, Senators John Thune and Democratic colleagues blocked the $1.15 trillion NDAA over Iran policy.

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Senate Democrats Block

Senate Democrats used the annual defense bill vote to signal opposition to President Donald Trump’s renewed war against Iran.
The Senate rejected the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act by a 50-46 vote, missing the 60-vote threshold.
John Thune switched to a “no” vote to permit later reconsideration of the bill.
Republicans cited a 3.6 percent raise and a B-21 bomber, saying blocking the bill harms security.

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