Van Hollen Statement on Vote to Override Trump NDAA Veto

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement on his vote to override Trump’s veto of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“The National Defense Authorization Act includes vital measures to strengthen America’s security both at home and abroad. It includes a pay raise for our troops, critical investments for Maryland’s military installations, and support for key national security priorities. Additionally, I worked to secure new funds for the University of Maryland START program and to finally provide the family of slain ROTC graduate Lt. Richard Collins with the benefits and recognition they deserve. I was proud to fight for these provisions, as well as measures to rename bases that now bear the names of individuals who fought for the Confederacy to preserve slavery, important policy changes to curb the militarization of our nation’s police, and requirements for federal law enforcement to identify themselves during civil unrest. While this NDAA bill is far from perfect and contains some provisions I oppose, on balance it is important to our national defense and upholds our values. 

“In vetoing this bill Trump put his own self-interest before the interests of the American people, our armed forces, and our national security. I was glad to see the Congress come together on a bipartisan basis to swiftly overturn this veto and support our national defense.”