Senator Collins’ Statement on Vote to Override Veto of NDAA

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released this statement following her vote to override the President’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“I voted to override the President’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act.

“For the past six decades, Congress has come together in a bipartisan way to craft this annual legislation that strengthens the defense of our nation and helps keep Americans safe. 

“This bill supports our brave military men and women in uniform—including a three percent pay raise for our troops—sets policy for our nation’s military and critical national defense priorities, and contains significant cyber security provisions that would help thwart future cyber attacks. It also contains substantial provisions targeted at responding to increasing aggression from the Chinese Communist Party. 

“In addition, there are numerous provisions important to our state in the bill, including support for the Maine National Guard as well as the jobs of the hardworking Mainers who make invaluable contributions to our national security, such as those at BIW, PNSY, Pratt & Whitney, DFAS Limestone, and Naval Support Activity Cutler.

“I am pleased that the NDAA is now law and that Congress has once again fulfilled one of its most important responsibilities.”

As a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured a number of provisions in the NDAA that will benefit Maine.