Donald Trump has been threatening to veto the annual National Defense Authorization Act. On Tuesday, over two thirds of The House of Representatives passed the Act. The final vote was 335 to 78.
“Let’s not walk away from our biggest opportunity every year to exercise that legislative oversight. This is a good bill. If we don’t do this, we are not fulfilling one key aspect of our duties to our constituents,” House Armed Services Chair Adam Smith said.
As the bill heads to the Senate, a battle may still be in store. Trump has made several threats to veto the $741 billion bill. If passed, $635.5 billion will be allocated to the Pentagon. An additional $26.6 billion will go to the Energy Department, and $69 billion to Military Warfare. He is unhappy that the bill does not remove legal protections for social media companies.
“I hope House Republicans will vote against the very weak National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which I will VETO, Must include a termination of Section 230 (for National Security purposes), preserve our National Monuments, & allow for 5G & troop reductions in foreign lands!” Trump tweeted.
The bill seems to be the face of a divide at Capitol Hill. House Republican leaders have openly stated they refuse to override Trump’s veto. On the contrary, House Democratic leaders have openly said they will vote for an override even if it means cutting their holiday short.
