Senate advances $901B defense bill as Congress races into year-end legislative sprint

The Senate has advanced the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), overcoming a key procedural hurdle with a vote of 76-20, as lawmakers aim to finalize the bill before the holiday recess. This annual defense policy bill is crucial for authorizing military spending and operations for the upcoming fiscal year.

With the expiration of subsidies that assist consumers in paying for health insurance premiums approaching, shoppers under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are facing significant price increases. Congress has yet to reach a consensus on a solution, leaving millions of Americans in a precarious situation as the deadline looms.

Republican Rep. Mike Turner, the former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the Trump administration for failing to communicate its objectives regarding Venezuela to Congress, stating that the president has not been clear on the matter. This lack of communication raises concerns about the administration's strategy in dealing with the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

Senator Bill Cassidy expressed optimism for bipartisan cooperation on healthcare, stating that a deal is possible despite the Senate's recent rejection of two competing healthcare bills aimed at extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Cassidy emphasized the need for collaboration between Democrats and Republicans during an appearance on CBS's Face the Nation.

Republicans in Congress are facing significant challenges in passing their health care agenda, with critical deadlines approaching for new insurance plans. Despite holding power in both the White House and Congress, they have struggled to unify around a viable alternative to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire soon.