Washington, DC — President Trump has notified Congress that he is vetoing the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill was agreed upon by Congress on December 11 and sent to President Trump for signature.
The total cost of the bill was $740 billion and did not include the $1.4 trillion that Congress passed this week as part of the coronavirus package.
In his response, Trump said that he recognized the importance of the bill to national security, but that important measures were not included as part of the bill. One thing that President Trump wanted to include was the repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Trump also said he took issue with the renaming of military institutions and that the bill was an insult to military history. He said that the act contradicted his administration’s focus on America first.
He also said that the bill was a gift to China and Russia, setting up a showdown with Congress, who will vote to override the President on the bill.
President Trump had said previously he intended to veto the bill due to the failure to include a termination to Section 230.
I will Veto the Defense Bill, which will make China very unhappy. They love it. Must have Section 230 termination, protect our National Monuments and allow for removal of military from far away, and very unappreciative, lands. Thank you! https://t.co/9rI08S5ofO
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 17, 2020
Congress is expected to vote on a potential override once it returns from Christmas break sometime next week. The original bill passed the House 295-125 and the Senate 84-13.
Stay tuned to The Liberty Loft, as we will continue to bring you all the latest information. You can find us on a wide variety of social media channels or subscribe to our notifications to receive all the latest information as it is released.
