Senate Passes NDAA on to Obama
Today, the Senate passed the revised NDAA bill in an up or down vote 91-3. The move to forego procedural votes and move to an immediate “clean vote” is an unusual move for defense appropriations, but signals the bill’s widespread support. According to the White House Press Secretary’s statement Tuesday, the President is expected to sign the $607 defense bill despite its continued restrictions on weapons and personnel transfers from Guantanamo Bay.

Milcon/VA Appropriations Moves to Senate Floor
The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY16 moved to the Senate floor Tuesday morning. The bill was one of the first appropriations measures passed in the House (255-163) this past spring April 2015. The bill increases spending from FY15 funding levels for military construction, military family housing, VA benefits and healthcare programs, among other related areas.

Updates on Ex-Im Bank
Since the House voted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank in a vote two weeks ago, supporters of the bill have been fighting proposed amendments that would jeopardize its passage in the Senate. So far, all of the amendments have been blocked with bipartisan support. The bill is still expected to be passed under the highway bill. Today, the Senate voted to end debate on the bill, which should move it to conference by the end of the week. Congress must approve a final version of the bill before current highway funding expires on Nov. 20.