Republicans block defense bill, stalling Schumer's December spending sprint

Senate Republicans on Monday blocked a critical defense spending and policy bill, demanding more time to consider amendments, including one related to a Russian fuel pipeline.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act has passed the Senate for 60 consecutive years, but GOP lawmakers stood in the way of advancing the massive measure Monday, refusing to provide the 10 GOP votes needed to begin debate. Just one Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, voted to get on to the measure.