WASHINGTON — Republicans failed Tuesday to block a major defense bill that included a pay raise for military personnel when one of their own, retiring Sen. John Warner, rallied senators to advance the legislation out of respect for U.S. troops at war.
Republican opponents objected to $5 billion in pet projects that Congress added onto the bill. But proponents characterized “no” votes as showing disrespect for military personnel.
It survived a test vote 61-32 — barely clearing the required 60-vote threshold. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the Senate will take a final vote tonight.
The measure would permit $612.5 billion in spending for national defense programs, including $70 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also includes a 3.9 percent pay increase for military personnel. The Associated Press
In Afghanistan
