Defense Spending Will Pass

Congress reached a deal Monday to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act—but without New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s proposed amendment that would attempt to curb sexual assaults. Monday’s deal called for no additional amendments to the bill, which has been passed every year for the past 50 years to fund the military. Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin said Gillibrand’s amendment was left off because the bill has to pass before Friday, when the House of Representatives adjourns. “There is no way to get a defense bill passed this year except the way we are proposing,” Levin said. Gillibrand’s spokeswoman said the senator will work on making her amendment a standalone proposal.