Senate sends revised defense bill to Obama

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a revised annual defense policy bill on Tuesday, sending the measure to President Obama's desk for a second time. 

The Senate voted 91-3 on the $607 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which lays out broad defense policy requirements and restrictions. 

Obama vetoed the original bill largely because of concerns about an extra $38 billion in war funding. A two-year budget deal passed late last month resolved that policy fight by increasing both defense and nondefense spending. 

The new version cut $5 billion from the original bill to match the budget deal, including $250 million to the administration's Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund and more than $1 billion in fuel savings. 

"I'm proud of this legislation. Could we have done more? Yes. ... But I would argue that this is the most significant reform legislation in the last 30 years," Sen. John McCainJohn McCainSenate Dem hopefuls talking about Trump — a lot McCain challenger criticizes non-profit donation from Saudi embassy Encryption bill draft worries tech community MORE (R-Ariz.), the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman who helped spearhead the bill, said ahead of Tuesday's vote. 

Sen. Bernie Sander (I-Vt.), who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, as well as Oregon Democratic Sens. Jeff MerkleyJeff MerkleyOvernight Finance: Sanders, Clinton take the gloves off in Wall Street fight Dem bill cracks down on payday lenders Senators lob insults at heated hearing on consumer agency MORE and Ron WydenRon WydenFacebook moves to political hot seat with WhatsApp Senators draft bill prohibiting 'unbreakable' encryption FBI to brief senators on San Bernardino iPhone hack MORE voted against the legislation. 

Republican Sens. Ted CruzTed CruzTrump: Cruz hates New York Clinton: 'I don't have anything negative to say' about Sanders Poll: Trump, Clinton hold commanding leads in NY MORE (Texas), Lindsey GrahamLindsey GrahamLindsey Graham wants his jacket back Dem senator: There are ‘deniers’ on both sides of climate change debate Sixth Republican to meet Supreme Court nominee next week MORE (S.C.), Marco RubioMarco RubioNY GOP chair floats Susana Martinez as vice president Officials sound alarm on Zika funding The GOP delegate fight explained MORE (Fla.), Rand PaulRand PaulThe Hill's 12:30 Report Cruz lands on Time cover Senate GOP battles time — and Trump MORE (Ky.), David VitterDavid VitterRepublicans demand shift in Obama’s ISIS strategy GOP pushes Obama to crack down on terror after Brussels attacks FOIA reform nears Senate finish line MORE (La.) and Dean HellerDean Heller TSA comes under fire for .4 million app to manage lines Senators lob insults at heated hearing on consumer agency Senate GOP wades into Obama immigration battle MORE (Nev.) didn't vote. Cruz, Graham, Rubio and Paul are all seeking the GOP presidential nomination.

The legislation, which passed the House by a 370-58 vote last week, includes restrictions on transferring detainees out of Guantanamo Bay, adding roadblocks to a long-standing pledge from Obama to close the facility. 

Under the NDAA, a one-year ban on moving detainees into the United States is extended. Detainees also cannot be transferred to Yemen, Somalia, Libya or Syria. 

The restrictions have gained increased scrutiny with the president expected to hand over a plan for closing the controversial facility as soon as this week. That plan is expected to include trying to move dozens of the 112 remaining detainees into the United States, something that congressional Republicans are firmly opposed to. 

While Obama called the Guantanamo provisions “counterproductive,” the White House has stopped short of issuing a fresh veto threat against the revised defense bill. Republicans are suggesting that despite the looming policy battle on the facility, they expect the president to sign the revised legislation. 

"We look forward to the Senate passing this essentially unchanged legislation and the president signing the bipartisan bill — along with its restrictions against bringing terrorists into the United States — into law," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellMitch McConnellCruz won't apologize for calling McConnell a liar Grassley: Dems' Supreme Court 'pressure' is futile Graham to meet with Supreme Court nominee MORE (R-Ky.) said. “That’s the right thing for our men and women in uniform. That’s the right thing for our country."

McCain, separately, told reporters last week that he didn’t expect Obama would veto the bill for a second time because of the restrictions. 

“I don’t think so,” he said. “They shouldn’t. It would be a very weak argument because I’ve asked them for a plan and they haven’t given me a plan.”

Obama has raised concerns about restrictions on Guantanamo transfers during previous defense policy bills but ultimately signed them.

This story was updated at 12:21 p.m.