President Trump has vetoed a $740 billion defense bill, objecting to the limit of soldiers’ withdrawal from Europa and Afghanistan, and removing Confederates’ leader names from the military bases. A few weeks ago, Congress passed the much-needed bill. Besides, Trump also wanted to scrap the law shielding the social media giants.
But the congressional leaders passed the bill with an overwhelming majority, and experts suggest that there are chances that they might override the incumbent’s veto. Traditionally, the bills passed by Congress need the presidential signature, and he can choose to sign it, or reject it. In response, the lawmakers can override the veto and can also turn the bill into law by mustering two-thirds of the majority in both houses.
More:
- Donald Trump Refuses To Sign Relief Bill But Issues Pardons For Allies
- Vladimir Putin Signs Bill Giving Ex-Presidents Lifetime Immunity
On Tuesday, Trump also rejected the coronavirus relief bill that was passed by Congress after months of negotiations. He asked the congressional leaders to increase the amount of the stimulus checks to $2,000. Moreover, the bill also included federal funding, meaning that if a newly amended bill is not passed within days, then a government shutdown is possible.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to hold talks on the defense bill on Monday and the Senate on Tuesday. And if the Congressional leaders do not override Trump’s veto, it would be the first time in history that an NDAA act does not become a law. The incumbent described the bill as a gift to Beijing and Moscow. He further called the limits on troops withdrawal as “unconstitutional and a bad policy.”
Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, and a top Democrat criticized Trump’s comments on the bill and accused him of undermining the national security and the will of the bipartisan Congress. Meanwhile, as the Congress session nears, the defense bill sets the Pentagon’s policy, including the number of troops, deployments, and numerous military initiatives.
Mitch McConnel, the Senate majority’s leader, has clearly stated that the defense bill must pass and has already agreed with the Democratic minority leader to override the veto on Wednesday, a day after the scheduled session.
