Will the push to delay leadership decisions derail the passage of critical year-end legislation like the NDAA?

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Probably not by itself, but it adds risk to an already crowded lame-duck session. The push from Rick Scott, Ron Johnson and others is aimed at postponing the Senate GOP leadership vote until members agree on a clear year-end agenda. That internal fight does not automatically stop floor action on must-pass bills such as the National Defense Authorization Act. John Thune is still expected to remain leader unless the conference votes to delay, and he has said Republicans will have a detailed discussion before any vote. The bigger threat to the NDAA is time. Congress has only about five legislative weeks, government funding expires Dec. 11, and the Senate still has to handle nominations, permitting reform, farm bill issues and other expiring authorities. The Senate also never passed its own NDAA earlier this year, meaning leaders may have to negotiate final text off the House bill and move quickly in December. Outside analysts and Capitol Hill previews still describe the NDAA as one of the most likely year-end bills to pass, precisely because it is annual, bipartisan and tied to defense policy rather than regular appropriations. Some forecasts say a final compromise is expected late this month or in December. But those same forecasts stress that floor time is scarce and any leadership distraction, attendance problems, or broader fights over funding and other priorities could squeeze it. So the leadership dispute is unlikely to derail the NDAA on its own, but it could make passag…

Rick Scott Withholds Backing for Thune Senate Bid as Democrats Secure 54 Seats

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Rick Scott Withholds Backing for Thune Senate Bid as Democrats Secure 54 Seats

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