US Democrats block massive defence bill over Iran war frustration

US Senate Democrats blocked a $1.15 trillion annual defence policy bill due to frustration with the Iran war and lack of consultation with Congress.

Coverage from 2 publishers 2 source reports

News24NYT

Senate Democrats Block Defense Bill Over War in Iran

Update summary

What changed in this update

The vote reflected how the political debate over the conflict in the Middle East has sapped bipartisan support for a normally popular measure.

Source coverage

Source reports

News24 Published 15 July 2026

US Democrats block massive defence bill over Iran war frustration

US Senate Democrats blocked a $1.15 trillion annual defence policy bill, citing ‌frustration with the Iran war and US President Donald Trump’s failure to consult with Congress about his decision to send US forces into the conflict.

NYT Published 14 July 2026

Senate Democrats Block Defense Bill Over War in Iran

The vote reflected how the political debate over the conflict in the Middle East has sapped bipartisan support for a normally popular measure.

More news

Also in the news

Mitch McConnell returns to Senate after fall that led to an extended medical absence

World 14h ago Established

Mitch McConnell Returns to Senate After Medical Absence

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell returned to the US Senate on Monday, casting his first vote after a three-month absence. The 84-year-old Kentucky lawmaker was hospitalised in June following a fall at home and said he was "briefly unconscious" during recovery. McConnell said he looked forward to being back on the Senate floor.

7 references

GuardianTIMENPRNYTCBS +1

World 6h ago Developing

Denmark says Russian warship fired flares at military helicopter

The Danish prime minister has accused Russia of "reckless" behaviour, while the Kremlin is yet to comment.

2 references

BBCNYT

Gavin Newsom Says He Won’t Run in 2028 if Kamala Harris Does

World 16h ago Developing

Newsom Won't Run in 2028 if Harris Does

California governor Gavin Newsom said in a CNN interview that he will not run for president in 2028 if former vice-president Kamala Harris enters the race. Newsom, who is term-limited, called a potential matchup against fellow Californian Harris a waste of everybody's time. The comments appeared to conflict with his widely assumed presidential ambitions.

2 references

GuardianNYT

Discovery

See what’s emerging. See what’s changing.

Explore stories gaining momentum and continuing events with new developments.

Explore Discovery