Senate votes 45-51 to reject closing debate on NDA

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., flanked by Minority Whip John Thune, RS.D., left, and Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, speak to reporters after the meeting strategy GOP, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, November 16, 2021. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)

OAN . editorial office
UPDATE 10:28 AM PT – Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has effectively instituted a blockade on what Republicans decry as a lackluster defense bill proposed by Democrats.

On Monday, the Senate voted 51 to 45 in favor of Republicans rejecting a proposal to close the debate and vote on 2022. National Defense Authorization Act. This bypassed the 60-vote threshold to move to a single vote, which is what McConnell threatened to happen if Democrats don’t hear Republican concerns.

McConnell warned that despite being downplayed by the Biden administration, threats to US national security are getting worse, especially in the Middle East.

“During the 10 months in office, despite the innocent talk of the administration, the threats we faced were significantly worse,” said the Senate Minority Leader. “The vacuum they left in Afghanistan has promoted terrorists from Iranian militias in Iraq, Syria and Yemen to the highest levels of the Taliban government.”

McConnell also appealed to Democrats for ignoring the growing threats to the United States and international security from Russia. This ranges from cybersecurity threats to hypersonic missile development and undermining American energy with the creation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

McConnell laments Democrats are turning a blind eye to Russia after lamenting their alleged heavy interference in the 2016 election of 45th President Donald Trump.

“For four years, my colleagues, the Democratic leaders, seem to be constantly focused on Putin and Russia,” the senator said. “But now with Putin flexing his muscles and Russia engaging in constant cyber attacks, weapons testing and army building – crickets.”

The Kentucky Republican added that the current draft of the NDAA cannot handle America’s biggest threat on the international stage – China.

.@LeaderMcConnell on the NDAA: “Democratic leadership has screwed up the listing process.” pic.twitter.com/XXhBre2PMZ

– CSPAN (@cspan) November 30, 2021

However, since Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) and several other members of the Democratic Caucus voted with Republicans, he could force another vote at a later date. there. Meanwhile, Schumer vowed to work hard to get the bill through Congress, and Republicans hope future legislation reflects a bipartisan legislature.

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