Carter rejects defence bill

Press, 19 August 1978, Page 8

Carter rejects defence bill

NZPA-Reuter Washington Piesident Jimmy Carter has become the first American leader to veto a defence bill. The $36 bil lon weapons procurement bill cuts funds to the Norm Atlantic Treaty Organisation and includes $2 billion fot a nuc,ear ait craft carrier that he has long opposed. Mt Carter said that the bil's cuts in N.A.T.O. spending undermined the American commitment to the Western alliance tn a statemem opening a televiseu news conference, the President saiu the $2 billion in proposed spending for the nuclear aircraft carrier would make it the most expensive ship ever built. M“ Carter said the bill would waste American resources and weaken the United States military capability.

“The nation’s interest and my oath of office require me I tu veto this bill and seek a strongei defence for our country,” he added Mr Carter told the press iconfeience: “I would be glad to co-operate with Congress .in passing a more responsible bill.” The Carter Administration had recommended a less costly, conventionally-powered aircraft carrier despite intense lobbying by Congres- ; sional supporters of United 1 States Navy admirals calling for a nuclear carrier. Eat her. Senator John Stent,.s, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Comi mittee, told reporters after a 'meeting between Mr Carter and Congressmen at the White House that they believed Congress would susI tain a Presidential veto of the bill.