Senator Crapo responds to the defense policy veto

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo said Thursday that President Obama’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will weaken America’s defense and deny the military the certainty it needs to prepare for, and respond to, unfolding events around the world.

“The President’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act is a disservice to the men and women who honorably serve at Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho’s National Guard, and around the world,” said Crapo. “This measure authorizes programs and operations that are important for our troops, their families and the security of our nation.”

Last week, the Senate passed the measure with the support of 70 senators. The legislation, which President Obama vetoed this afternoon, would have authorized Congress to appropriate funds for the U.S. Department of Defense.

“This measure, which received broad support, authorizes funding for the Department of Defense at the budget levels the President himself requested, while also providing needed policy guidance from Congress,” added Crapo. “With the increasing number of global threats around the world, the President’s veto of this bill denies our military the stability and certainty it needs to develop and execute the programs essential for our national defense.”