With Congress in the midst of a budget showdown that could lead to a government shutdown, U.S. Sen. Joni Enrst (R-IA) voted to advance the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2016 to a vote on Tuesday in order to continue funding the military.
Her efforts were in vain, however, as Senate Democrats blocked the bill to fund the Pentagon’s activities.
“I remain disheartened by the misplaced opposition of my Democratic colleagues to taking up this important defense appropriations bill, which is paramount to upholding our commitment to the military and our service members,” Ernst said. “In the midst of ever-increasing and complex global threats, there is simply no time for partisan politics on a bill that has broad bipartisan support.”
Ernst supported the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate this summer, to which she contributed seven amendments.
“Congress has the responsibility to ensure we uphold the promises made to our men and women in uniform, and make certain that our military has the tools to defend our national security,” Ernst concluded. “Passing this defense appropriations bill is necessary in working toward that goal.”