Senators propose amendments to defense bill

Senators have filed proposed amendments to the fiscal year 2022 defense authorization bill, which could reach the floor for a final vote as early as next week.

Senate Republicans in recent weeks have criticized Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for not bringing the bill to the floor sooner. The Senate Armed Services Committee approved the $778 billion bill in July, and it was filed for consideration on the Senate floor in September. The House passed its version of the bill Sept. 23 and is waiting on the Senate to enter conference committee negotiations.

Committee leaders in past years have limited the number of amendments allowed to receive votes, meaning very few receive are brought forth for consideration unless they are included in broader voting packages known as “en blocs.”

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