Defense bill stalls over Democratic, GOP divide

[unhappycamper]

http://hamptonroads.com/2013/11/defense-bill-stalls-over-democratic-gop-divide

Defense bill stalls over Democratic, GOP divide
By Donna Cassata
The Associated Press
© November 21, 2013

WASHINGTON

A $625 billion defense bill that establishes military policy stalled in the Senate on Wednesday as Democrats and Republicans struggled over how to move ahead on the massive measure.

Republicans insist on an open process that would allow them to vote on amendments to the popular defense authorization bill that has become law every year for the past half century. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is trying to limit amendments and wrap up the legislation in a few days, avoiding a vote on a possible measure to impose new penalties on Iran and another on health care.

President Barack Obama has pressed Congress to pause on sanctions while the U.S. and other world powers negotiate a nuclear deal with Tehran.

The Senate impasse was on full display Wednesday night.



unhappycamper question: What exactly are we going to spend $625 billion dollars on? And how will that help Americans put food on their table?

[Laelth]

1. No more penalities on Iran.

We have them surrounded and isolated. They, for their part, are trying to negotiate a settlement that avoids war. Seriously, let's let them capitulate.



Further negotiation and reconciliation with Iran is what the President is requesting, and I trust him on this one.

-Laelth