I warned you that this was coming the other day in The GOP budget sequester, a budget summit, and government shutdown politics:
Democrats are adamant that Republicans back off their plans to increase defense spending without doing the same for nondefense programs.
They argue the GOP is using a budget gimmick [Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO)] to funnel more money to the Pentagon without raising spending limits on healthcare and social welfare programs.
To try to force the party’s hand, Senate Democrats say they will block every annual spending bill unless Republicans agree to a budget summit.
Today Democrats followed through on their announced plans by blocking the Defense Appropriations bill which includes the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) “gimmick” to get around the GOP budget sequester caps. Demanding budget talks, Senate Dems block spending bill for military:
Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked spending legislation for the Pentagon, part of a broader strategy aimed at forcing Republicans to the table for budget negotiations.
Senators voted 50-45 to end debate on a motion to proceed to the legislation, short of the 60 votes needed to move forward. Sen. Joe Donnelly (Ind.) was the only Democrat to vote yes.