Story highlights Sen. John McCain is chairman of the armed services committeeThe National Defense Authorization Act is under his jurisdiction(CNN) There's a reason why Sen. John McCain was eager to pivot to the annual defense spending bill in the early hours of the morning right after he had killed the Senate's Obamacare repeal effort: The Arizona Republican's office announced McCain is planning to return to his home state to start cancer treatment Monday. McCain is chairman of the armed services committee, and he leads the annual defense bill that authorizes Pentagon spending and sets military policy. Following his brain cancer diagnosis earlier this month, it was unclear whether McCain would be in position to lead floor debate on the measure due to his possible treatment schedule. After his dramatic return to the Senate this week, McCain had hoped the Senate could quickly debate and pass the defense authorization bill once health care was completed. Senate Democrats said they would be willing — if Republicans dropped the repeal bid.

Source: CNN July 28, 2017 15:17 UTC