The compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act was approved by a 92-7 vote in the Senate Thursday. Because the House approved the bill last Friday, it now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. While Defense Secretary Ash Carter had urged Obama to veto the previous version of the bill, the size of the majorities supporting the bill means Congress would likely have the votes to override a possible veto. The bill authorizes $618.9 billion in the base budget and $59.5 billion for overseas contingency operations.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
