White House Lifts Veto Threat of Defense Authorization Bill

UPDATE: House Passes Defense Authorization Bill, White House Drops Veto Threat

President Obama has dropped his threat to veto the 2012 defense authorization bill after his advisers concluded that revised provisions about detainees would not harm national security.

The new "language does not challenge or constrain the president’s ability to collect intelligence, incapacitate dangerous terrorists, and protect the American people," Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.

The House is poised to pass the bill on Wednesday, despite controversial provisions requiring military detention for some terrorism suspects.

The Obama administration had threatened to veto the massive $662 billion defense bill over the detainee provisions, contending it was unacceptable for legislation to constrain the president’s authorities in handling the war on terror. The bill is expected to pass the Senate and head to Obama’s desk this week.

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