On Tuesday, Senate Democrats decided to advance bipartisan funding legislation for the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bureau, just days after Republicans passed partisan bills aimed at supporting PBS, NPR, and international aid programs.
The 38 Democrats voted in favor of proceeding with the bill after a lengthy lunch meeting in the Lyndon Baines Johnson room, and it ultimately passed with a vote of 90 to 8.
This legislation allocates $153.5 billion in discretionary funds, receiving significant bipartisan support with a vote tally of approximately 26-3.
This marks the first spending bill to advance in the Senate for the 2026 fiscal year.
Key provisions include $342 million to enhance healthcare access in rural areas, $3.5 billion for veteran caregivers, and another $3.5 billion dedicated to services and housing for homeless veterans.
While Democrats are reinstating funding for public broadcasting and global aid programs, many expressed frustration towards their GOP counterparts last week over the revival of $9 billion in funding.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (NY) defended the bill, emphasizing that it reflects bipartisan opinions shared within the Appropriations Committee. He noted, “It was done in a bipartisan process. There was no doubt about that. Second, it canceled many of the terrible cuts to veterans.” He also mentioned a corrective process included in the bill.
Senior Democrats, including key members of the Budget Committee such as Patty Murray (WA), Jeff Merkley (OR), and others, supported the decision to move forward. However, several progressives, like Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), voted against it.
Democrats are cautious, indicating that moving to floor debate on the bill doesn’t guarantee their support for its passage, particularly if Republicans hinder their ability to introduce amendments.
Merkley, who is a senior member of the Interior and Budget Subcommittee, plans to propose amendments aimed at preventing the Trump administration from initiating additional rescue packages under the Water Storage Management Act and to uphold funding already allocated by Congress.
Schumer expressed concerns about Republican efforts to undermine bipartisan spending initiatives by insisting on rescue packages. “We’ll see how the floor process evolves. Given the recent actions from Republicans, there’s nothing guaranteed,” he stated.
He criticized Senate Majority Leader John Tune (R-IN) for pushing for bipartisan support while simultaneously promoting partisan bills that deviate from previous funding agreements. “On one hand, Leader Sune claims to want bipartisanship. But then he’s advocating for a rescue package that disrupts bipartisan funding deals,” he remarked.
