Senate Democrats are agonizing over whether to block a must-pass defense bill in order to debate war with Iran, seeing a rare opportunity for leverage in the GOP-controlled Senate.
Despite a bipartisan push, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shut down the possibility of a vote on an amendment that would require congressional approval for the use of military funds in Iran. In response, many Senate Democrats and even some Republicans are willing to stop the annual defense measure from getting a final vote if that's what it takes.
Such a vote would open these senators up to attacks for voting against the military. But given the escalating tensions with Tehran, some argue that it's a risk worth taking to prevent another costly war in the Middle East and reassert congressional oversight over foreign intervention.
"As far as I'm concerned, this is an integral part of the substance of this bill, this is about our national defense and security," said Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). "The opportunity to have this kind of conversation on the floor and vote rarely happens in the Senate. This is the only bill we debate each year."
Durbin said that "at this point" he would vote against ending debate and filibuster the legislation.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a co-sponsor of the amendment, also threatened to block the bill over not getting a vote on the Iran amendment.
"National defense should be debated. Full and open debate involves amendments," Paul said. Without a vote on the proposal, "there will be a substantial number of people who will vote 'no' on ending debate."
The amendment, from Democratic Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico and Tim Kaine of Virginia, also has support from Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. It's the latest attempt to restrict President Donald Trump's foreign policy powers.
The Senate voted Monday 86-6 to begin debate on the defense bill. And despite saying last week that it would be open to amendment, McConnell used a procedural tactic Monday evening to prevent further amendments from getting added — putting Democrats in a bind.
If Democrats banded together, they could block the measure from moving forward given the Senate's 60-vote threshold to end debate. But some expressed caution Monday.
"This whole question about the use of force is the big one," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), another member of Democratic leadership. She added that was not "sure yet" if she would be willing to delay passage of the bill if Democrats do not get a vote on the amendment.
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that if holding up the legislation is a "serious way to get this amendment on the floor," she "may go for it." But she added that option had not yet been presented her.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans warned Democrats that stopping the National Defense Authorization Act from moving forward would be a mistake and that the Iran amendment should not halt progress on a top Senate priority.
"They're going to have to decide whether to block NDAA or let the bill go forward," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).
"That would send the wrong message if they tried to hold it up over that," said Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.). "It would be unfortunate if the NDAA were to get hijacked over that issue."
Thune said that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should consider the Iran amendment. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) wants Congress to weigh in if there's a new war in Iran, but said she found the amendment's language problematic and suggested the proposal lacks the support to pass even if it does get a vote.
Democrats hinted last week that they could use the Senate's 60-vote threshold as leverage, as they called on McConnell to hold a vote on the Iran amendment.
Schumer on Monday said that time was on the Democrats' side, noting there was "no rush" to pass the bill — it often passes in December — particularly given that several Senate Democrats would be absent from votes because of the Democratic presidential debates later this week.
"We have passed it very frequently later in the year with no harmful consequences to our military," Schumer said. "We should have the vote on the Udall amendment which is an urgency before we bumble into war. And it should occur when every senator is able to cast their vote."
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