Senate panel approves $612B defense bill that overhauls benefits The Senate Armed Services Committee passed its 2016 defense authorization bill by a 22-4 vote on Thursday. Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) announced the results of vote, hailing the $612 billion measure as a "reform bill" with "overwhelming bipartisan support." Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.), however, was one of the four 'no' votes against the bill, which boosted the Pentagon's war funding account $38 billion by over the president's request.