Senate fails to finish Defense authorization bill

The Senate does not appear likely to finish the Defense authorization bill in three days, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) had asked, due to disagreements over amendments still outstanding.

Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said late Thursday he hoped the defense bill could be wrapped up Friday, but he and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) were still working on the final list of amendments as the Senate’s final vote was called Friday morning.

Levin said once the final list of amendments is compiled, senators will have time to object, but he hopes it doesn’t come to that.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) on Thursday threatened to filibuster the remaining votes after Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) objected to a vote on veterans with mental illness owning guns.

Read more about the status of the defense bill in the Senate on The Hill’s Floor Action blog.

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