Trump vetoes NDAA, but override looks likely

Image: Architect of the Capitol

President Donald Trump today vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2021. He opened his veto message with this statement:

“I am returning, without my approval, H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (the “Act”). My Administration recognizes the importance of the Act to our national security. Unfortunately, the Act fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military’s history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions. It is a ‘gift’ to China and Russia.”

Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, promptly issued a statement noting that the measure had passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13.

“The FY21 NDAA passed with overwhelming, veto-proof support in both the House and Senate, and I remain confident that Congress will override this harmful veto,” he said. “While the President may not care about our service members and their families, Congress still places an immense value on their service and sacrifice.”

As we’ve noted, the NDAA includes the Coast Guard Authorization Act and funds many programs of vital importance to the U.S. shipbuilding industry and its supplier base.