Senate passes defense policy bill

The Senate voted 86-8 to pass a fiscal year 2020 defense policy bill that would authorize $750 billion for national security.

The Senate will vote Friday on a standalone amendment to the bill that would constrain President Trump's power to wage war on Iran. Should the amendment pass, the bill will be changed retroactively.

Prior to the vote, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Ranking Member Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) both spoke in favor of the bill.

The House is set to consider its version of the bill, which would authorize $733 billion in defense spending, the week of July 8.

House Republicans united to vote against the bill when it was considered by the House Armed Services Committee because they say the topline is too low and have pledged to work to increase it to the Senate’s level.

But progressive Democrats have also said they think the topline is too high and will propose an amendment to bring it down.