ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, December 29, 1995 TAG: 9512290083
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press
President Clinton vetoed a $265 billion defense bill Thursday, saying its demand for a Star Wars-like anti-missile system would waste billions of dollars and jeopardize decades of arms control efforts.
The president also objected to what he called unfair provisions in the defense policy bill that would ban most abortions at overseas military hospitals and expel service members who test positive for the AIDS virus.
However, in casting the 11th veto of his presidency, Clinton acted to make sure the men and women of the armed forces - including troops in Bosnia - receive most of the 2.4 percent pay raise they have been expecting, and which had been included in the bill.
He signed an executive order using existing authority to raise military pay by 2 percent, effective Jan. 1, and asked Congress to quickly pass legislation bringing the total pay hike to 2.4 percent.
Clinton said the 1996 defense authorization bill was shot through with objectionable provisions, including some that would have struck at his authority as commander in chief.
The bill ``would unacceptably restrict my ability to carry out this country's national security objectives and substantially interfere with the implementation of key national defense programs,'' he said.
Clinton used his veto message to strongly object to the Republican Congress' attempt to force him to commit to a nationwide Star Wars-type of ballistic missile defense system by 2003.
Clinton also objected to provisions he said would:
Restrict the retirement of U.S. strategic nuclear delivery systems.
Slow the Pentagon's environmental cleanup efforts.
Restrict the Defense Department's ability to aid disaster relief efforts.
Order the purchase of specific submarines at certain shipyards.
Require the discharge of service members who test positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Clinton called it ``medically unwarranted.''
Restrict female service members and female dependents of military personnel from receiving privately financed abortions at military facilities overseas.
Indications are that Clinton's veto may be sustained on Capitol Hill.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 linesby CNB