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Gianforte Votes To Override Trump's Veto Of Defense Bill

Montana’s lone U.S. Congressman has broken with President Donald Trump in voting to override the president’s veto of the annual defense policy bill.

Republican Greg Gianforte signaled his override vote during a press conference earlier Monday.

“I’ve always voted with our men and women in uniform and I plan to do so again, today," Gianforte said.

The $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funding for jobs, military bases and weapons manufacturers. It includes a provision from Montana Senators that would expand health benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, along with investments for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls and new aircraft for the Montana Air National Guard.

Gianforte on Monday also cast a remote vote against a Democratic backed attempt to increase individual COVID relief payments from $600 to $2,000. The CASH Act and National Defense Authorization Act now head to the U.S. Senate.

Edward O'Brien is Montana Public Radio's Associate News Director.