Live Coverage: Senate Decision on $852 Billion Defense Budget

The Senate is set to cast their votes on Thursday afternoon regarding a significant defense spending bill, following a strategic move by Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota earlier this week that added complexity to the ongoing government funding discussions.

Thune is essentially challenging the Democrats to reject the $852 billion proposal as Republicans aim to redirect the current focus from health care issues to defense funding. Meanwhile, both parties are in a tussle over who should bear the responsibility for the risk to military pay posed by the government shutdown.

The comprehensive funding bill emerged from a bipartisan appropriations process and was successfully passed out of the committee earlier this year with a 26-3 vote, showcasing a rare moment of cooperation.

The Democrats’ strategy regarding the upcoming vote remains uncertain. However, they have shown a strong front against a temporary government reopening bill, standing firm in their demand for an extension of the ObamaCare subsidies, which are due to lapse at the year’s end.

“It appears to be a challenging vote,” Thune remarked to The Hill on Wednesday, referring to the defense spending bill. “They continuously express a desire for a standard appropriations process, and we’re endeavoring to provide that. Admittedly, the shutdown complicates the situation.”

Watch a live stream of the Senate floor with voting set to begin around 1:30 p.m.