President Obama signs defense bill despite 'reservations'

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40. To veto, or not to veto the appropriation bill funding our national defense

Is a wretched choice given to the president by congress.

"The fact that I support this bill as a whole does not mean I agree with everything in it. [...] I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions...

"Section 1021 affirms the executive branch's authority to detain persons [...] and is unnecessary.

"Section 1022 [...] is ill-conceived and will do nothing to improve the security of the United States.

"Sections 1023-1025 needlessly interfere with the executive branch's processes for reviewing the status of detainees.

"Sections 1026-1028 continue unwise funding restrictions that curtail options available to the executive branch. Section 1027 renews the bar against using appropriated funds for fiscal year 2012 to transfer Guantanamo detainees into the United States for any purpose. I continue to oppose this provision, which intrudes upon critical executive branch authority to determine when and where to prosecute Guantanamo detainees, based on the facts and the circumstances of each case and our national security interests.

"My Administration has worked tirelessly to reform or remove the provisions described above in order to facilitate the enactment of this vital legislation, but certain provisions remain concerning. My Administration will aggressively seek to mitigate those concerns through the design of implementation procedures and other authorities available to me as Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, will oppose any attempt to extend or expand them in the future, and will seek the repeal of any provisions that undermine the policies and values that have guided my Administration throughout my time in office.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
December 31, 2011. "