The House of Representatives voted on Monday to override President Trump’s veto of the NDAA defense policy bill. This is the first successful veto override of Trump’s presidency. The House achieved the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto with a 322-87 vote.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07)
“The United States and its allies face a growing range of threats around the world – as we’ve witnessed with the latest cyberattack from Russia – and this year’s NDAA is a critical step in protecting the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to keep Central Virginia’s families safe. This vote is not a difficult decision whatsoever, because our servicemembers and their families deserve the strongest support possible,” said Spanberger. “The President’s veto of the NDAA was not only misguided, but it sent a poor message to our allies – as well as our adversaries – around the world. As Commander in Chief, the President has a unique responsibility to protect our servicemen and women, and it is beyond embarrassing – and a show of weakness – that the President chose to veto this legislation. I look forward to welcoming a new President into office who demonstrates the commitment necessary to maintain our military advantage, confront the dangers on the horizon, and honor the selfless service of those who put on the uniform in defense of their country.”
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA01)
“Let me be very clear: the FY21 NDAA does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the coming year and the coming challenges. It will give our armed forces the tools and resources they need to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe.
“The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to one of the largest populations of military members and their families in the country and many more hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. FY21 NDAA goes a long way to support our region’s path to economic recovery.
“While I understand the concerns of President Trump, simply put, this is a defense bill and the President’s concerns are not defense-related. Lawmakers have been able to pass this bill for 59 years on a bipartisan and bicameral basis by taking painstaking measures to keep the NDAA focused on our national security and setting aside non-related policy items. There are better ways to address the issues brought up by the President that do not jeopardize our nation’s security interests or punish our military members.
“I agree that we must address President Trump’s concerns regarding Section 230. That is why I support Rep. Paul Gosar’s (AZ-04) Stop the Censorship Act. Section 230 currently provides online platforms with immunity for the removal of anything they perceive to be ‘otherwise objectionable.’ This legislation revokes immunity for the removal of competition and lawful political speech, extends free speech online, empowers users to protect themselves from objectionable material. This provision also incentivizes platforms to be more transparent and abide by their own terms of service. Most importantly, separating this bill from FY21 NDAA gives us the opportunity to pass the requisite defense legislation to ensure our men and women in uniform are given the resources they need to keep our Country safe.
“Our servicemembers and our national security professionals need this legislation and the authorizations and policies it provides. I refuse to put them at risk—this legislation is too important not to pass.”
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA03)
“For 60 years, the NDAA has been passed with bipartisan and bicameral support. President Trump’s veto of this legislation was harmful to our national security and showed a disregard for our military personnel and their families. The FY 21 NDAA provides a well-deserved three percent pay increase for our service members. It also includes several important provisions that will directly support shipbuilding and ship maintenance in Hampton Roads. President Trump was willing to throw away all that good work in the name of preserving relics of the confederacy. It is a deeply disappointing but fitting chapter at the end of Donald Trump’s presidency.”
Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA05)
“I was proud to override the president’s veto of the NDAA today,” said Congressman Riggleman. “As an Air Force veteran, I know how important it is to deliver critical resources and funding to our military community. Passing the NDAA is necessary to fulfill one of congress’ most important duties to provide for the common defense.The NDAA will provide essential care for servicemembers and their families, and provide key support to enhance U.S. military operations. I am proud to cast my vote to defend our national security and put the needs of our military community above politics.”
Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA06)
“Supporting our men and women in uniform means not having them serve countless deployments to fight endless wars. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act limits the President’s ability to #bringthemhome and is why I voted to uphold the veto of this bill by @realDonaldTrump.”
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