Senate kicks defense policy bill into next week

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MONDAY VOTE: The Senate is now poised to take up the $716 billion National Defense Authorization Act early next week after an initial objection by Sen. Pat Toomey triggered a time-consuming procedural delay. The chamber, earning its reputation as a slow-paced deliberative body, took an initial vote Thursday to end other debate and will take a second vote to proceed with the 2019 policy bill at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

But more snags may be ahead. Sen. Rand Paul took to the floor Thursday to say he is demanding a vote on his amendment ending indefinite detention of terrorism suspects. Last year, he made similar threats to press for a vote on U.S. authorizations for the use of military force. Paul could throw up more delays and hold up other senators’ amendments next week if he presses his demand.

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