U.S. Senate moves ahead on defense bill facing veto threat
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U.S. Senate moves ahead on defense bill facing veto threat
The Senate moved forward Tuesday on a sweeping, $612 billion defense policy bill despite a presidential veto threat stemming from larger budget disputes that have hamstrung Washington. The vote was 73-26, 13 votes more than necessary to break any filibuster. The Senate is expected to pass the measure Wednesday and send it to President Obama, who has vowed to veto the bill because of the “irresponsible” way it boosts military spending.
[An] irresponsible way to fund our national defense priorities.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest
The Obama administration has pressed Congress to add money for defense and domestic agencies above the limits imposed by the 2011 budget deal. The administration is unhappy with how the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) adds money — for the military only. Lawmakers increased defense spending by padding a separate war-fighting account with an extra $38.3 billion. That account is not subject to the spending limits agreed to in 2011. The House of Representatives passed the NDAA last week.
This is for the men and women of the military. This is to defend the nation. This would be one of the most disgraceful acts of any president.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Armed Services Committee
