White House Press Secretary Jay Carney affirmed President Obama’s position that he will veto legislation allowing the military to detain al-Qaida operatives or supporters captured on United States soil, even if they are American citizens. The U.S. Senate passed that legislation, despite the veto threat.
“The Senate has unfortunately engaged in a little political micromanagement at the expense of sensible national security policy,” Carney said, during the press briefing today, of the changes to detainee laws.
“Any bill that challenges or constrains the president’s critical authorities to collect intelligence, incapacitate terrorists, and protect the nation, would prompt his senior advisers to recommend a veto,” he added.
Carney also noted “non-partisan” opposition to the legislation, including criticism of the bill from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
