Senate Fails to Advance National Defense Authorization Act (S. 4784) with 50-46 Cloture Vote, Confirms Circuit Judge, and Introduces Bipartisan Social Security Solvency Bill
The Senate convened, marked by the swearing-in of Darline Graham as the new Senator from South Carolina, filling the seat of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, and several Senators offered tributes. A key legislative action of the day was the failed cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (S. 4784), which was rejected by a vote of 50 yeas to 46 nays. The Senate also confirmed the nomination of Matthew A. Schwartz to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit and passed several other measures by unanimous consent, including the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025. Additionally, a bipartisan bill, the PROMISE Act of 2026 (S. 4979), was introduced to establish a process for assuring Social Security's long-term fiscal stability.
This chamber-day is significant due to the failure to advance the annual National Defense Authorization Act, a critical piece of legislation for national security and military funding, highlighting deep divisions within the Senate. The confirmation of a federal circuit judge has long-term implications for the judiciary. The introduction of a bipartisan bill addressing Social Security solvency signals a legislative effort to tackle a major fiscal challenge affecting millions of Americans. Debates on executive actions concerning ICE and the Iran war underscore ongoing high-stakes policy conflicts.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
S. 4784Question before the chamber
A cloture motion on the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 4784, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.
The case for
Senator Grassley argued that passing the NDAA is the federal government's number one responsibility for national security, emphasizing 'peace through strength' through investment in military capabilities and modernization to deter aggressors. He supported the $1.1 trillion authorization and provisions for defense contractor accountability and against Russia's control over Ukrainian territory. Senator Thune reiterated the importance of the NDAA for military readiness, supporting servicemembers with a 3.6 percent pay raise and quality-of-life improvements, and investing in unmanned systems, shipbuilding, and airpower. He stressed the need for Congress to ensure the military has everything it needs.
The case against
Senator Schumer opposed proceeding to the NDAA, stating that the President is waging an unauthorized war in Iran without a clear strategy or exit plan, defying bipartisan majorities in Congress. He also raised concerns about recent fatal shootings by ICE agents, arguing that Congress should not provide a 'blank check' or 'permission slip' for such actions by advancing the NDAA while these urgent national security and domestic issues remain unaddressed.
Disposition
Motion to proceed to S. 4784 · recorded vote
Motion rejected (failed to achieve three-fifths majority for cloture)
Yeas 50, Nays 46
Who is affected
- US military personnel: The bill includes a 3.6% pay raise and investments in quality-of-life improvements (education, housing, healthcare, childcare) for troops and their families. Failure to advance the bill delays these benefits.
- Defense industrial base and contractors: The bill authorizes $1.1 trillion for defense, supports the industrial base, and includes provisions for contractor accountability. Its delay impacts defense procurement and oversight.
- US foreign policy and national security: The bill addresses military capabilities, deterrence against aggressors, and international relations, including Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Its stalled status affects the US's strategic posture.
- Taxpayers: The bill authorizes significant federal spending for defense, impacting the allocation of taxpayer dollars.
Nomination of Matthew A. Schwartz
Question before the chamber
The confirmation of Matthew A. Schwartz to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.
The case for
The Record text does not explicitly state a proponents' case for this nomination, beyond the procedural actions taken to advance it.
The case against
Senator Durbin opposed the nomination, highlighting Matthew A. Schwartz's active representation of President Trump in two ongoing appeals (Stormy Daniels conviction and a $464 million judgment) and his representation of Elon Musk in a $50 billion compensation package appeal. Durbin raised concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly regarding the reported $400,000 debt owed by the President to Schwartz's firm, which Schwartz downplayed as 'an extraordinarily small amount.'
Disposition
Nomination confirmed · recorded vote
Matthew A. Schwartz was confirmed as a United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.
Yeas 50, Nays 45
Who is affected
- US judiciary: The confirmation adds a new judge to the Second Circuit, influencing the composition and future rulings of a significant federal appeals court.
- President Trump and Elon Musk: The nominee has actively represented these individuals in high-profile legal cases, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest in his judicial role.
- The public: Judicial appointments affect the interpretation and application of laws, impacting various aspects of public life.
Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone Act of 2026
S. 4979Question before the chamber
Introduction of a bill to establish a process to assure the long-term fiscal stability of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.
The case for
Senator Durbin argued that Social Security faces an alarming report of insolvency by 2032, necessitating immediate bipartisan action. He highlighted that without intervention, seniors face monthly benefit cuts of $450, forcing difficult choices between basic necessities. The bill, co-sponsored by a bipartisan group, aims to create a fair and transparent process for Congress to debate and vote on proposals to ensure 50 years of solvency, allowing all members to offer serious solutions.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record for this specific bill introduction.
Disposition
Bill introduced and referred · other
S. 4979 was introduced and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Who is affected
- Senior citizens and people with disabilities: These groups rely on Social Security for income, and the bill seeks to prevent future benefit cuts that would severely impact their financial stability.
- Taxpayers and future generations: The bill addresses the long-term solvency of Social Security, which is funded by current and future taxpayers, ensuring the program's viability for decades to come.
- Congress and the legislative process: The bill proposes a structured, bipartisan process to tackle a politically challenging issue, aiming to restore regular order and legislative effectiveness on a critical matter.
Cloture Motion on National Defense Authorization Act (S. 4784) Fails
highA cloture motion to proceed to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (S. 4784) was rejected by a vote of 50 yeas to 46 nays, failing to achieve the three-fifths majority required to limit debate and advance the bill. This outcome prevents the Senate from immediately considering the major defense spending bill.
Matthew A. Schwartz Confirmed as US Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit
highThe Senate confirmed the nomination of Matthew A. Schwartz to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit by a recorded vote of 50 yeas to 45 nays. This confirmation occurred after a cloture motion was successfully invoked on his nomination.
Darline Graham Sworn In as Senator from South Carolina
mediumDarline Graham was sworn in as a Senator from South Carolina, filling the vacancy created by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Her swearing-in was followed by tributes from several Senators.
Minority Leader Schumer Criticizes ICE Actions and Iran War, Opposes NDAA
mediumMinority Leader Schumer delivered remarks criticizing recent fatal shootings by ICE agents and the Trump administration's handling of the war with Iran. He stated his opposition to proceeding with the NDAA, arguing that Congress should not ignore these urgent national security crises.
Bipartisan PROMISE Act (S. 4979) Introduced to Address Social Security Solvency
mediumSenator Durbin, along with a bipartisan group of Senators, introduced the 'Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone Act of 2026' (S. 4979), aiming to establish a process for Congress to ensure the long-term fiscal stability of Social Security by 2032.