McConnell defies veto threat by Trump over controversial defence bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is defying a veto threat by Donald Trump over his demands to repeal legal protections for social media companies in the annual defense policy bill.

Failing to pass and make the measure law would leave military personnel in a “lurch,” he said on Thursday while signaling he expects the chamber will vote to send the massive authorization bill to Mr Trump on Friday.

“I would urge our colleagues to pass” the bill, Mr McConnell said as the president continues to threaten to veto it.

The measure passed the House on Tuesday with a veto-proof majority, meaning both chambers could be poised to override a Trump veto before Christmas.