Washington, DC – Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, released the following statement after a motion to proceed to debate the Defense Authorization bill was blocked by a vote of 56 to 43. Sixty votes were needed to proceed to debate on the bill. Fifty-six senators voted in favor of beginning debate.
“The Defense Authorization Bill includes important elements that support our troops, including a troop pay raise and protective armor, and it provides resources for the wars. Unfortunately, a minority of Senators have decided to block debate on the bill to score political points, regardless of the needs of our troops. I remain committed to working with anyone, Democrat or Republican, to find solutions on the issues important to Colorado and our nation, including strengthening our national defense and supporting our troops and veterans, as well as improving our economy and creating jobs.”