The Senate was close to advancing the National Defense Authorization Act to formal floor debate Wednesday night. Democratic and Republican leaders had agreed to a series of amendments to be considered, which seemed to pave the way for debate.

But Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) objected that his amendment to stop the Pentagon from withholding pay of Guard members who refuse the vaccine was not included, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) objected that his amendment related to the import of some Chinese goods was also excluded.

Rubio objected to advancing the NDAA, and Senate leaders’ hands were tied.

“This will be the first time that an NDAA bill has not moved forward, and it all falls on the shoulders of one senator: Marco Rubio,” Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.

They will try again Thursday morning. If Rubio doesn’t change his mind, the bill may be stuck or may be forced to move forward with very few amendments.

The House has passed its bill and is ready to begin conference negotiations. Leaders of the two Armed Services committees may have already started informal talks to reconcile the bills in hopes of passing a final version by the end of the year or early next year.

Southern Command photo by Raymond Sarracino