Ankara: The US Senate on Tuesday blocked a procedural vote to advance the $1.15 trillion annual defense authorization bill. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) fell short with a 50-46 vote, missing the 60 votes necessary to move the legislation forward.

According to Anadolu Agency, the vote largely followed party lines, except for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who changed his vote from 'yes' to 'no.' This strategic move allows him to potentially bring the motion back for reconsideration at a future date. The absence of four senators-John Fetterman, Jim Justice, Mitch McConnell, and Alex Padilla-was noted during the vote.

The Senate Armed Services Committee had approved the bill last month in an 18-9 bipartisan vote. However, recent weeks have seen increased divisions between Republicans and Democrats as they struggle to resolve disputes over defense and non-defense spending caps. Democrats have highlighted the renewed US military conflict with Iran and President Donald Trump's decision to proceed without Congressional authorization as significant factors in their opposition to the NDAA.