Democrat Shutdown Drags On As Senate Approves $925 Billion Defense Bill Without DEI Chief
While federal workers continue to go unpaid during a prolonged government shutdown, Senate Democrats are drawing criticism for blocking a short-term spending bill that would reopen the government — even as the chamber moved forward with a massive $925 billion defense package on Thursday.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines U.S. military priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, passed 77-20 with strong bipartisan support. Nearly all Republicans voted in favor of the measure, along with a number of Democrats. Nineteen Senate Democrats opposed the bill, along with Senator Rand Paul (R-KY).
Notably, the legislation removes a Pentagon directive to create a Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer — a provision many Republicans had criticized as wasteful and ideologically driven.
“I promised to prioritize the NDAA, and I’m glad the Senate delivered,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). “While I’m proud our bill authorizes a much-deserved pay raise for our troops, I’m disappointed they won’t see it — or any paycheck, for that matter — until Democrats end the Schumer Shutdown. They’re holding our troops and their families hostage for political demands.”
The legislation includes funding for new ships, aircraft, and missile systems, expands the Pacific Deterrence Initiative aimed at countering China, and orders the Department of Defense to develop new strategies for emerging biotechnologies.
It also repeals multiple DEI-related initiatives, a win for lawmakers who have accused the military of drifting away from its core mission in favor of progressive social policies.
“We’re ready to show on both sides of the aisle that the Senate can act in the interest of national security and get something done on a bipartisan basis,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS).
The House previously passed its own version of the bill, priced at $893 billion. Lawmakers from both chambers will now need to reconcile the differences before the final NDAA reaches President Trump’s desk.
Meanwhile, the broader government shutdown has now stretched into its second week. Senate efforts to pass a temporary funding measure to reopen federal agencies have repeatedly failed, reportedly falling five votes short on multiple occasions.
Thune signaled some willingness to negotiate, saying he may allow a vote on a Democrat-favored healthcare subsidy proposal if they agree to pass the temporary spending measure.
“None of this happens absent them voting to reopen the government,” Thune said. “Open up the government first, quit taking it hostage, and let’s get the American people and the federal workers… let’s get them back to work.”
As the impasse drags on, the pressure is mounting — especially from military families and defense workers who now face missed paychecks despite Congress authorizing record-high defense spending.