Staff Reports
The Senate's recent vote on a critical defense spending bill highlights a stark divide between Republicans and Democrats amid the ongoing government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s effort to pass a full-year $852 billion Pentagon funding measure was blocked primarily by Democratic opposition, with only three Democrats—John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Jeanne Shaheen—joining Republicans to support it. The bill failed to reach the 60 votes required to advance, demonstrating how Democrats increasingly prioritize attaching their broader domestic agendas to defense funding rather than ensuring military readiness and paying our troops promptly.
Democrats argue they won’t support military funding without parallel funding for health care, housing, and other social programs, using these negotiations as leverage amid the shutdown. Republican leaders criticize this as political obstruction that disregards the urgent needs of service members and national security. Thune rightly called out this delay as political theater, emphasizing that government shutdowns and funding stalemates undermine the very people—our troops—who sacrifice daily to protect the nation.
🚨BREAKING: Bill to fund military during government shutdown fails in Senate procedural vote.
Republican Take:
“Filibustering defense appropriations bill, which is a bill which, like I said, should get 80 plus votes on the floor, suggests a level of dysfunction on their side… pic.twitter.com/T53A1LSPUI— Tim Warren (@TimWarrenTrades) October 16, 2025
Though the House has passed its own version of the defense funding bill, differences between the bills mean the Pentagon’s funding remains unresolved. Republicans have also kept the House from reconvening to push this forward. Meanwhile, efforts to pass temporary continuing resolutions to keep the government running and fund military pay have likewise faltered in the Senate due to Democrats refusing to break from their demands.
This ongoing stalemate is not just about budget numbers; it’s about honoring the service and commitment of America’s military personnel. The refusal of many Democrats to separate defense funding from other political priorities sends a troubling message that partisan politics trump national security. The American people deserve a government focused on protecting its troops, not using them as pawns in a broader ideological battle.
In conclusion, Senate Democrats’ obstruction of defense spending reflects a larger pattern of prioritizing political agendas over national security. Responsible governance demands putting military readiness and troop welfare above political games—something Senate Majority Leader Thune and concerned Republicans continue to fight for amid the shutdown chaos. The nation’s safety and honor depend on ending this impasse with a clear commitment to funding and supporting our armed forces without delay.
