Spencer Ackerman at the Washington Independent reports that Senate Republicans are trying to hold the Defense appropriations bill hostage in their efforts to kill health reform. A GOP filibuster designed to slow up Senate proceedings and block health care debate has already failed, but passage of the defense bill remains unsure. This state of affairs has caused Defense Secretary Robert Gates to “clear his throat,” as Ackerman puts it.
The influential Republican released a statement this afternoon with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
We strongly urge Senate passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill today, prior to expiration of the current continuing resolution. Passage today will provide important support for our foreign policy and national security priorities and ensure continuity of funding for our troops in combat and for all of the Department of Defense.
Gates has had it with the Party of No.
