U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after Senate Democrats again blocked consideration of the defense appropriations bill, which includes important funding for our military personnel, their families, and infrastructure projects that contribute to our national security:
“In June, more than 70 senators voted to approve the National Defense Authorization Act, giving Congress the authority it needs to fund our troops and important national security programs that keep America safe,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, immediately after voting to give Congress this authority, Senate Democrats blocked the defense appropriations bill, which actually puts the money in the bank. Today, Senate Democrats doubled down on their defense funding filibuster by again preventing the Senate from considering this necessary legislation. At a time when Iran’s support for terrorism is emboldened, Russia’s aggression continues in Ukraine and Syria, and ISIS continues to propagate a campaign of violence, it is irresponsible for Congress to deny our military leaders the certainty they need.”