The Senate is expected to pass the National Defense Authorization Act this week on a bipartisan vote. The bill, a compromise version worked out with the House, passed that chamber easily.
There is some frustration among progressives, who oppose the topline defense budget.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is also speaking out against the legislation because it does not include all of her language to reform the military justice system for sexual assault cases. The bill does make major changes to how those crimes are handled, but Gillibrand prefers her language that goes further and said she will push for a vote later on a stand-alone bill.
Army photo by Senior Airman Christopher Muncy
