Overview

On Monday, December 15, 2025, the US Senate convenes at 3:00 p.m. ET for a period of morning business, focusing on a critical vote to invoke cloture on the motion to concur with the House amendment to the FY26 National Defense Authorization" class="inline-tag-link">Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This comes as cloture motions remain pending against high-profile nominations, including Jared Isaacman to be NASA Administrator and Weaver to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, alongside 97 nominations en bloc under a resolution[1][7].

Key Developments

  • Senate convenes at 3:00 p.m. ET on December 15, 2025, per official schedule[7].
  • Vote scheduled on motion to invoke cloture on FY26 Defense Authorization House amendment during morning business[1].
  • Cloture motions lie against Jared Isaacman for NASA Administrator nomination[1].
  • Pending cloture on Weaver for Nuclear Regulatory Commission membership[1].
  • 97 nominations en bloc blocked under resolution, awaiting cloture[1].

Analysis

Factor Current Status Implications
Economic Defense spending locked in FY26 NDAA at projected $895 billion baseline Boosts defense contractors but strains federal budget amid debt ceiling talks
Political GOP-led push amid lame-duck session backlog Tests party unity on nominations; delays could spill into 119th Congress
Social Public focus on space exploration via Isaacman nomination Enhances STEM inspiration but highlights regulatory delays in nuclear oversight

Expert Reactions

"The Senate holds a period of morning business, voting on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur with the House amendment on FY26 Defense Authorization," stated FedNet in its December 12 preview, underscoring procedural hurdles[1]. Senate leaders have not issued floor statements yet as of 12:00 AM UTC December 15.

What's Next

Senate floor webcast begins at 3:00 p.m. ET December 15; tentative schedule eyes executive calendar updates post-cloture vote[7]. Full NDAA concurrence targeted for week-end passage before holiday recess.