President Trump defended on Saturday his veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, calling it a “farce” and again claiming it is a “gift” for China, Russia and high-tech companies.
Trump urged lawmakers, who could override their veto next week, to revamp the bipartisan bill.
“Our $ 740 [billion] The defense bill is a gift to China, Russia and Big Tech, “he tweeted.” It fails to close the dangerous Section 230, does not allow us to bring our troops home (where they belong), renames and destroys our strong E National Monuments and makes 5G almost impossible! “
PRESIDENT TRUMP VETOES ACT OF AUTHORIZATION OF NATIONAL DEFENSE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Trump vetoed the bill on Wednesday. He then highlighted some of the issues mentioned in his tweet – including Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which is unrelated to defense legislation.
This section says that technology companies cannot be held responsible for the content published on their platforms. It has been a target of conservatives seeking to control the power of big tech companies and hold them accountable for what happens on their platforms, and Trump has repeatedly called for it to be revoked or changed.
He also referred to provisions that would phase out installations named after Confederate military figures. But he suggested in a second tweet that Section 230 was his main reason for vetoing the legislation.
“I will not stand still watching this caricature of a bill happen without reigning [sic] in Big Tech. Finish Section 230 now, before it’s too late. So bad for our country, “he said.” Show courage and do what is right! “
Trump faced resistance for his veto, from both Democrats and Republicans. Lawmakers defended the bill and said it contains funds for vital national security measures and increased pay for troops.
They also rejected the president’s claim that the defense bill helps Russia and China, saying that it actually strengthens the United States against its geopolitical rivals.
The bill claims 3 percent salary increases for American troops and authorizes more than $ 740 billion in military and construction programs.
Wyoming Republican House Speaker Liz Cheney said in a statement that the bill includes strong provisions to combat Russia and China, and that Congress “must ensure that this bill becomes law”.
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“In addition to harming our troops, failing to go through the NDAA will have dire consequences for our national security,” she said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the veto “an act of impressive irresponsibility that harms our troops, jeopardizes our security and undermines the will of the bipartisan Congress.”
Congress can override the veto or try to modify the bill so that it gets Trump’s signature. Both chambers are expected to meet early next week.