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.
Dozens of former Airmen are running for Congress in the 2026 midterms, with Election Day fast approaching on Nov. 3. But the potential impact of the election for the Air Force and Space Force goes beyond just the number of former service members on Capitol Hill—the results will also decide…