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U.S. lawmakers overrule Trump’s veto of defence bill

President Trump had vetoed the $740 billion (N287 trillion) defence spending bill passed by Congress on December 11.

• December 29, 2020
Nancy Pelosi. [PHOTO CREDIT: AP News]
Nancy Pelosi. [PHOTO CREDIT: AP News]

The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday voted to override President Donald Trump’s veto of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).

One hundred and nine Republican lawmakers backed the decision, which came in a 322-87 vote by the Democratic-led House.

Twenty Democrats, including prominent progressive and former presidential aspirant, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, opposed the override.

Congress passed the $740 billion (N287 trillion) defence spending bill on December 11, but the president blocked it on December 23 over certain provisions.

They include one limiting U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan and Germany, and another removing Confederate leaders’ names from military bases.

Trump also demanded the removal of some liability protections for social media companies, among others.

To become law, the bill now requires a similar vote in the Republican-controlled Senate, expected within the week.

If the Senate endorses the House action, this would be the first veto override under the Trump administration.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lauded the House action, which she described  as “an overwhelming bipartisan” vote.

Ms. Pelosi said she was optimistic the Senate would toe the line to stop the president’s “dangerous sabotage efforts.”

“The president must end his eleventh-hour campaign of chaos and stop using his final moments in office to obstruct bi-partisan and bicameral action to protect our military and defend our security,” she said.

NAN

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