US Senate votes down $50B defense infrastructure boost – By Joe Gould (Defense News) / Aug 11 2021
WASHINGTON ― The U.S. Senate on Tuesday rejected a Republican proposal to add $50 billion in defense infrastructure spending to Democrats’ budget plan.
Though Republicans hoped to stage a tough vote for centrist Democrats from states with military facilities, Democrats remained unified and the amendment was defeated on a bipartisan basis, 53-46.
Republicans Sens. Rand Paul, Mike Lee and Mike Braun voted with the majority.
The amendment effort, led by Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., offered billions for shipyard rehabilitation projects, supply depots, nuclear infrastructure and 5G telecommunications gear.
It is one of many amendments expected to be considered during an hours-long series of votes before Democrats approve the resolution to tee up a $3.5 trillion spending plan.
