Senate defies Trump by overwhelmingly backing removal of Confederate names from military bases

WASHINGTON – The Senate overwhelmingly passed a massive defense bill Thursday that includes the removal of Confederate names from military bases, defying President Donald Trump, who opposes renaming the bases. 

The bill passed by a lopsided count of 86 to 14, well above the number that would be needed to override a presidential veto. 

The bill, which authorizes $736.9 billion in military spending, includes a provision to form a commission that would devise a plan for renaming the bases over the next three years. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised the bill on the Senate floor earlier this week, calling it the "product of exhaustive, bipartisan effort."

Senate Armed Services Committee Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., said in a statement the bill "sends a message of support to our troops by providing them with a pay raise, giving them the necessary equipment and resources, and caring for their families." 

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The bill, among other provisions, authorizes a 3% pay increase for military service members and purchases of new military equipment. It would also implement cybersecurity recommendations for the Pentagon.

The House passed its own version of the bill by a veto-proof majority earlier this week, and the two chambers will next work together to reconcile differences and draft a final version of the text. 

The White House threatened to veto the House's version of the bill, pointing to "several provisions that present serious concern," including the renaming of bases. 

The Trump administration called the provision "part of a sustained effort to erase from the history of the Nation those who do not meet an ever-shifting standard of conduct."  

The Pentagon moved to effectively ban Confederate flags from military bases last week, and top military leaders have signaled their willingness to rename the bases. 

More:Defense Secretary Mark Esper bans Confederate flags from military bases, rejects 'divisive symbols'