How the president handles the defense bill may influence how Republicans respond to his continued railing against the election results. Only 47 Republicans heeded Trump’s calls to vote down the defense bill this week: seven senators and 40 members of the House, which passed the bill Tuesday by a vote of 335 to 78. [Defense bill clears House with veto-proof majority, despite Trump threats]But he also has not rescinded his numerous veto threats, leaving Congress in a holding pattern as lawmakers wait to see what the tempestuous president will do. The president’s veto threats have been hanging over the bipartisan defense bill since the summer, when each chamber voted on separate versions of the legislation that were later reconciled through negotiations. The defense bill has been ultimately signed into law for each of the past 59 years, a streak that no longer appears to be in jeopardy after this week’s votes.

Source: Washington Post December 11, 2020 18:32 UTC