Peters Helps Senate Override President Trump’s Veto of National Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after helping the Senate vote to override President Trump’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, which sets policy for the Department of Defense (DoD)—meaning the annual national defense bill is law for a 60th straight year:
“This year’s national defense bill includes provisions that will not only give our troops a raise, but shore up our defenses against an ever-evolving series of threats to our national security. As evidenced by the recent complex cyber-attack on federal and state agencies and the private sector, these threats are serious and can have devastating impacts on our country.
“I was pleased this legislation included strong provisions to enhance our cybersecurity, and – particularly in light of this massive cyber-attack – President Trump’s veto of this legislation was reckless and ill-advised. Whether it is to take steps to address this pandemic – support veterans exposed to Agent Orange – or grow Michigan’s defense footprint – we need this legislation enacted, and I’m glad my colleagues came together on a bipartisan basis to override the President’s veto.”
The legislation includes provisions Peters authored and supported to benefit servicemembers and their families, support Michigan’s defense sector and strengthen our national security, including to counter threats from adversaries like China and Russia. Peters previously criticized President Trump’s veto of the legislation.
As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters has led a number of bipartisan efforts to bolster our nation’s cybersecurity defenses. He introduced a bipartisan bill to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans’ data safe. In addition, last month, he introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. The Senate also unanimously approved his bipartisan legislation to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments. Peters has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to cybersecurity resources and training for small businesses, support K-12 schools with the resources they need to bolster their cybersecurity and ensure that America is prepared to respond to and recover in the event of a major cyber incident.
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