Senators on Wednesday began to insert a package of 51 uncontroversial amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — including 21 Republican, 21 Democratic and 9 bipartisan amendments. The upper chamber kicked off those amendment votes Wednesday afternoon after the Senate bill made it through its first hurdle when it passed a procedural vote 72-25 on Tuesday evening; when 22 of the ‘nay’ votes were by Republicans. Lawmakers are also working on a smaller manager’s package to include a number of other amendments, but have indicated they are unsure how big it will be. Still to be resolved is the fight over the Pentagon’s policy to reimburse travel costs for service members who cross state lines to seek abortions. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) since March has held up hundreds of military promotions, including numerous top roles, such as Marine Corps commandant to force a reversal on the policy. While Republicans don’t have the 60 votes needed to undo the policy using the NDAA, the GOP may still push for a vote. Tuberville maintained that an NDAA amendment vote would still not be nearly enough for him to drop his hold. The Alabama Republican on Tuesday spoke with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for the second time in as many weeks about his months-long hold, which is approaching 300 promotions.
For today, the Senate will first take up the nomination of David M. Uhlmann to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Senate will then continue work on the NDAA with a vote on Cruz-Manchin amendment #926 (Strategic Petroleum Reserve) which is a 60 vote threshold.
The House is expected to complete consideration of H.R. 3935 – Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act which reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2028, including activities and programs related to airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations. The National Transportation Safety Board is also reauthorized through FY2028. When the House adjourns today, it will next be in session for votes on Tuesday, July 25th.
