The Senate has gathered on New Year’s Day to vote to override President Trump’s veto on the defense bill. On Monday, the House secured enough votes to reject Trump’s veto of a $740 billion defense funding bill, marking the first successful override vote of Trump’s presidency.
The bill provides funding for military programs and construction projects, and authorizes a 3 percent pay raise for troops. Trump rejected the bill’s passing because of its failure to repeal Section 230, a federal law that provides a legal shield for internet companies.
Senators voted 80-12 to limit debate on the bill to 30 hours, setting up final passage. On Monday, the House secured enough votes to reject President Trump’s veto. The president has demanded that the bill include language stripping social media companies of protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which guards them from being held liable for what users say on their platforms.
Including the defense bill, Trump has issued nine vetoes during his presidency. Neither chamber of Congress has successfully voted to override any of the previous ones.
