US President Joe Biden has signed the country's $895 billion defense budget. According to Biden, the document provides vital benefits for military personnel and includes critical authorities to support national defense and homeland security. UNN reports this with reference to the website of the White House.
Details
Despite the fact that Biden signed the document, he indicated that some of its provisions are of concern.
According to him, a number of provisions of the law under certain circumstances may interfere with the exercise of the president's authority to present the position of the United States in international negotiations or forums.
Some provisions of the document, according to Biden, require the president and other officials to submit reports, communications, or plans to Congress that may normally contain highly classified information, including information that could reveal critical intelligence sources or military operational plans.
Biden signed the document despite his objections to language that excludes medical treatment for transgender children in military families.
Biden said his administration strongly opposes the provision because it targets a group based on gender identity and "interferes with the role of parents in determining the best care for their children." He also said that it also undermines the ability of an all-volunteer military to recruit and retain talented individuals.
Recall
The US Senate passed an $895 billion defense bill. In the House of Representatives, the majority of Democrats voted against the bill after House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted on adding a provision to ban transgender health care for children. The bill easily passed with a vote of 281-140.