The House overwhelmingly approved the compromise version of the Fiscal 2017 defense authorization bill on Friday with a vote of 375-34. The legislation authorizes $618.9 billion in the base budget and $59.5 billion for overseas contingency operations. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week before sending it to President Obama for signature. (For more about the NDAA, see our previous coverage: NDAA Includes Pay Raises, Higher End Strength; NDAA Will Let Congress Begin to Move on From Compass Call; and Lawmakers Preserve A-10, Call for Study on F-35.
Austin Confirmed to be 1st Black Defense Secretary
Jan. 22, 2021
The Senate on Jan. 21 confirmed Lloyd Austin to become the nation’s first Black Defense Secretary, one day after approving a waiver allowing him to lead the Pentagon just about five years after retiring from Active Duty. Austin, who retired in 2016 as the four-star commander of U.S. Central Command…