Senate Democrats blocked a full-year $852 billion Defense spending bill Thursday, despite its strong bipartisan support in committee, as the government shutdown entered its third week.

The measure failed 50-44 after Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer insisted it should not advance without also considering the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill.

Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, criticized Democrats for delaying a bill that provides pay and benefits for more than a million service members, including a 3.8% pay raise.

Some centrist Democrats and independents, such as Sens. Angus King and Mark Warner, were undecided, awaiting clarity on whether the Defense bill would be paired with other appropriations, The Hill has reported.

The vote highlights ongoing partisan tensions on Capitol Hill, with Democrats emphasizing broader priorities like healthcare, housing, and safety alongside defense funding.