Democrats again lodge protest against 'permanent war' language in NDAA

House Democrats on Wednesday again protested language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that they say is an open-ended congressional approval for military operations against terrorist groups around the world.

Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) raised a point of order shortly after noon in order to argue against the language, which he called an "unbelievably broad opportunity that this House should never give to any president at any time." This point of order was quickly dismissed by voice vote, but several amendments dealing with his concern will be debated Wednesday and/or Thursday.

Garamendi's comments came as House members began an hourlong debate on a resolution governing consideration of 152 amendments to the NDAA. The rule was approved by the House Rules Committee Tuesday night, and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) said it makes more Democratic amendments than Republican amendments in order.

"Yup, you're welcome," Bishop said on the floor.

Nonetheless, Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.) started his debate by pointing out various provisions of the NDAA that he opposes and saying the committee's decision to allow just 10 minutes of debate for each amendment is not enough time.

After approving the rule, the House is expected to debate amendments late into Wednesday night, with only brief interruptions to consider H.R. 1216, a bill reducing funding for a graduate health education program.