House Dems and Republicans Override Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill

The House voted overwhelmingly to override President Donald Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, setting the stage for what would be the first veto override of his presidency.

House members voted 322-87 on Monday to override the veto, well above the two-thirds needed to override. The Senate, which is expected to vote on the override this week, also needs a two-thirds majority. 

The veto override was supported by 212 Democrats, 109 Republicans, and an independent. Twenty Democrats66 Republicans, and an independent opposed the override. 

Trump rejected the defense bill last week, saying it failed to limit social media companies he claims were biased against him during his failed reelection campaign. Trump also opposes language that allows for the renaming of military bases that honor Confederate leaders. 

The defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, affirms 3% pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes more than $740 billion in military programs and construction. 

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the bill “absolutely vital to our national security and our troops, ″ adding, “Our men and women who volunteer to wear the uniform shouldn’t be denied what they need — ever.”