Senate adopts first amendment to defense bill

The Senate on Thursday voted to boost the Army’s presence in Europe. 

Senators voted 61-34 on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) from Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) that would authorize $371 million for the Army to research, develop and buy 81 Stryker armored combat vehicles with upgraded weapons systems. 

{mosads}It’s the first amendment the Senate has added to the defense bill.

Portman said the vehicles would only work with a brigade currently in Europe. 

“I’m pleased my amendment to strengthen our Army Forces in Europe has been adopted to this important legislation that is critical to our national security,” he said in a statement after the vote. “My amendment is of vital importance for our forward deployed soldiers and sends a strong message that we will support them in this time of great uncertainty in Europe.” 

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) suggested that he doesn’t believe lawmakers have had enough time to consider the funding, particularly given the tight budget environment. 

“I am very concerned that we’re sort of moving forward without the full and careful analysis both by the Department of the Army and by the committee,” Reed said before the vote. “We need at this particular moment, difficult time, to have that type of analysis.”

Senators also passed by voice vote an amendment from Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study Department of Veterans Affairs contracts for major medical facility projects.