Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., slammed lawmakers who would vote against a key defense spending bill, saying it would be "almost criminal" not to vote in favor of it.
According to The Hill, McCain and Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, spoke to the Defense Writers Group Wednesday about a bill that would fund the Pentagon. The current continuing resolution expires April 28.
"The agenda in the Senate is crowded with Obamacare, with the budget, with [Supreme Court nominee Neil] Gorsuch, who'll be coming to the floor as well," McCain said. "I've been talking to [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell at length about us at least trying to take up the appropriations bill that was passed through the House. I think it's almost criminal if we don't."
The House passed the $577.9 billion defense bill earlier in March. The Senate, which is currently tied up with confirmation hearings and other legislative duties, has not yet taken up the measure.
Thornberry said lives would be at risk if the Senate chamber does not pass the bill.
"This is not something to play games," he said, per The Hill. "This is lives and death and real consequences."
After last fall's presidential election, a Pentagon official said relying on continuing resolutions to keep the Pentagon funded is "problematic" in the fight against terrorism.
The White House unveiled its budget proposal last week, and it includes a $54 billion hike in defense spending.
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