White House threatens to veto defense bill over detainee rules

The White House on Thursday threatened to veto the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act because a series of the bill’s provisions would mandate military custody for some terrorism suspects and prevent the administration from transferring detainees out of the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“Any bill that challenges or constrains the President’s critical authorities to collect intelligence, incapacitate dangerous terrorists, and protect the Nation would prompt the President’s senior advisers to recommend a veto,” the White House said in a statement.

The language on detention, which has divided Democrats on Capitol Hill, sets up a clash between Congress and the White House over a measure that would authorize $526 billion for the Defense Department budget.