President Obama vetoed the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Thursday, prompting a wave of criticism from U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) and dozens of other lawmakers.
The bill was passed with bipartisan support and would have authorized funding for national security on multiple levels.
“The House and Senate have overwhelmingly, and in a bipartisan manner, passed the NDAA in order to authorize critical funding for our troops, including those currently deployed from Fort Bragg,” Ellmers said. “It is unbelievable that our commander-in-chief would consciously choose to put national security at risk with the swift stroke of his pen.”
Ellmers said the president was putting his political agenda before the needs of military personnel.
“Our servicemen and women deserve better than this.” Ellmers added. “They deserve a president who is willing to prioritize their safety and the security of our country ahead of his own political agenda.”