Senate sends defense bill to president

Trump vows to veto measure that lacks tech limits

The Senate on Friday approved a wide-ranging defense policy bill, sending it to President Donald Trump, despite his threat to veto the bill because it does not clamp down on big tech companies he claims were biased during the election.

The 84-13 vote mirrored an earlier margin in the House, suggesting that both chambers have enough votes to override a potential veto.

The Senate vote had been expected Thursday but was delayed after Sen. Rand Paul, R-kentucky, objected to the measure, saying it could limit Trump’s ability to draw down U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Germany.

Congress has approved the bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, for nearly 60 years in a row.

The current version affirms 3 percent pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes more than $740 billion in military programs and construction.

Trump has vowed to veto the bill unless lawmakers impose limits on social media companies he claims were biased against him during the election. Trump has also said he wants Congress to strip out a provision of the bill that allows renaming of military bases that honor Confederate leaders.

Paul said Friday his main point in filibustering the bill “was to point out that the president should have the prerogative to end a war, not just to start wars.?

The bill’s approval was never in doubt, although Paul’s actions cast uncertainty on the timing.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell, in a rare break with Trump, urged passage of the measure.

The Democratic-controlled House overwhelmingly approved the defense bill on Tuesday.