Senate Approaches Showdown with House Over Defense Bill

The Senate is nearing a final vote on its annual Pentagon policy bill, which is expected to pass with broad bipartisan support. The bill will then enter negotiations with the House, where House Republicans have passed their own defense bill with conservative proposals that are unlikely to gain traction in the Democratic-led Senate. The Senate has avoided contentious debates on partisan personnel issues, such as the Pentagon's abortion travel policy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged House Republicans to observe how the Senate operates, highlighting the passage of important bipartisan legislation compared to partisan bills that have no chance of passing. The Senate is set to vote on several amendments, including proposals to slash the Pentagon budget and limit the flags flown over public buildings.