Defense bill remains stalled

The House and Senate compromise version of the fiscal year 2023 defense authorization bill will not be released today, though lawmakers say it is likely to emerge Tuesday.

“Leadership negotiations are still ongoing,” said Cole Stevens, spokesman for the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Staffers said the bill is likely to be released Tuesday morning for a vote later this week.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-WA) had pledged the bill would be filed Monday, but staffers say lawmakers continue to debate several provisions, including one that could remove the Defense Department’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.