DEFENSE/LGBTQ/MILITARY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “The Senate is likely to tackle a slew of contentious issues this week during debate over the annual defense policy bill, from the status of transgender troops to war powers and even a surprise push by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to allow the military to close bases across the country.
It’ll also give the 81-year-old McCain, now being treated for an aggressive form of brain cancer, a week in the congressional spotlight as he seeks to rally the Senate against the partisanship and gridlock that have entangled Capitol Hill…
The Senate voted 89 to 3 on Monday evening to launch debate on the bill, with debate potentially stretching into next week. Sixty votes were needed to proceed.
This will be McCain’s third time managing floor debate for the National Defense Authorization Act since 2015, when he became chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The massive policy bill provides a budget blueprint for the military and reflects many of the Arizona Republican’s priorities since taking over the Armed Services panel, including reforms at the Pentagon and a major increase in defense spending.
Because it is considered must-pass legislation, the bill often becomes a vehicle for lawmakers to try to attach controversial amendments — and this year will be no different as senators prepare to push for votes to rein in the Trump administration on several issues.”
-Connor O’Brien and Austin Wright, “McCain to helm defense debate with hot-button issues,” Politico, Sept. 11, 2017 6:30pm