Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked the defense spending bill for the third time. Their move appears to be part of a strategy to hold defense hostage to domestic spending increases.

The Obama administration reportedly put together a five-page memo about blocking increases for the Pentagon unless they are accompanied by increases on other programs. The memo goes so far as to discuss the personal feelings and potential weaknesses of Republican leaders, and outlines a plan to manipulate them to prevent Congress adding an extra $18 billion in funding to an account for war spending.