WASHINGTON (Lord Media): Democrats in the U.S. Senate have halted discussion on the annual defense policy bill, expressing strong objections to the Iran war. The bill was rejected in a vote of 50 to 46. Democrats criticized President Trump’s Iran war policy, as well as provisions for increased military and intelligence cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli forces.
The Trump administration had proposed a bill valued at over one trillion U.S. dollars, requiring 60 votes for approval in the 100-member Senate. One provision mandated the Pentagon to appoint a liaison for defense technology coordination between the U.S. and Israel. Joint research and production of arms were planned, and integration of military technologies between the two nations was proposed.
Democrats argued that Congress should not advance this matter at a time when President Trump is escalating the war against Iran. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that passing the bill would effectively grant Trump permission to continue the Iran war without Congressional oversight.
