Race for the White House could influence Senate fight over defense spending

Whether Democrats support Sen. John McCain’s plan to boost defense spending in fiscal 2017 on the floor could have a lot to do with where candidates stand in the race for the White House, according to one analyst.

Michael O’Hanlon, a defense analyst with the Brookings Institution, said senators are likely to use their votes to reinforce the message of their party’s candidate. As a result, whether the amendment for increased funding passes could depend on where Donald Trump stands on defense spending.