House votes to override NDAA veto

Image: Architect of the Capitol

The House yesterday voted 332 to 87 to override President Trump’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2021. The legislation, which includes this year’s Coast Guard Authorization Act, covers many areas of vital importance to U.S. maritime and shipbuilding interests.

To succeed, the veto now needs to be overridden by a Senate vote.

“Today the House reiterated – in a resounding, bipartisan way – that our service members and national security are more important than politics,” said Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. “By overriding the President’s veto, the House prioritized compromise and sound policy over legislative nihilism and blind political loyalty. By overriding the President’s veto, the House asserted the role of the legislative branch and underscored the importance of our constitutional separation of powers. But most importantly, today’s veto override ensures that our service members and their families have the resources they need to continue to execute their missions and defend our country.”

Chairman Smith urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to move swiftly, saying: “While procedural hurdles remain, I am confident that the veto override vote will ultimately be successful – not because of politics, but because of the NDAA’s merits. It is Congress’ constitutional duty to provide for the common defense, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly.”