The Senate has taken a significant step towards passing the annual Defense policy bill, overcoming its first procedural hurdle with a vote of 82-15 on the motion to proceed to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). However, this progress was not without obstacles, as Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) raised an objection, forcing a recorded roll call tally.

Hawley's objection stemmed from the exclusion of legislation to reauthorize a compensation program for victims of nuclear contamination from the final package. By demanding a recorded vote, he slowed down the path towards finalizing the NDAA, which lawmakers had hoped to finish work on by the end of next week.

While Hawley's objection adds complexity to the timing of final passage on the package, Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) remains optimistic about wrapping up the bill next week. The Senate and House released their compromise version of the NDAA on Wednesday night, a $886 billion package that will move through the Senate first before being taken up by the House, potentially before they leave for the holiday season.

Notably, the bill does not include a GOP-backed item to block the Pentagon's abortion policy. This particular policy allows service members to be reimbursed for travel expenses to receive abortion care. Its absence prompted Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) to hold up all military promotions until earlier this week. However, Tuberville relented on Tuesday, removing the hold and allowing over 400 military members who had been in limbo for months to be promoted.

As the Senate continues to work towards finalizing the Defense policy bill, the resolution of current obstacles will be crucial in ensuring its passage. The ramifications of legislation related to national defense and military policies make it essential for Congress to act swiftly and efficiently in the coming weeks.