HONOLULU — President Barack Obama signed a $662 billion defense bill Saturday despite “serious reservations” over its restrictions about handling terrorism suspects.
A presidential statement accompanying the bill signing said the administration will interpret and implement some parts of the law in ways that give counterterrorism officials flexibility and uphold the nation’s values.
The White House initially threatened to veto the legislation but pulled back after Congress made last-minute revisions.
The new law gives the president the authority to waive military custody, if it’s in the interest of national security, for foreign terrorism suspects who are linked to al-Qaeda or who are involved in attacks against the U.S. The military-custody requirement also will not apply to U.S. citizens. Obama signed the bill in Hawaii, where he is vacationing.
