Obama signs defense bill despite concerns over provisions
The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act receives presidential stamp of approval despite contested measures regarding controversial provision on indefinite detainment of terror suspects.
President Barack Obama has signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, endorsing into law military spending policy for fiscal 2012. The contentious bill has made waves across the country for its provisions that allow for indefinite military detainment of suspected terrorists, including U.S. citizens on American soil.
The bill provides for $554 billion for the military’s base budget and $116 billion in overseas contingency operations spending.
Obama issued a signing statement in whch he detailed his reservations about provisions related to mandatory military detention of suspected terrorists, potentially including American citizens.
"Ultimately, I decided to sign this bill not only because of the critically important services it provides for our forces and their families and the national security programs it authorizes, but also because the Congress revised provisions that otherwise would have jeopardized the safety, security, and liberty of the American people," Obama wrote in the signing statement.
Obama signed the bill on Dec. 31, 2011.