Representative Derek Tran Issues Statement on National Defense Authorization Act of 2027

Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) issued a statement following the House of Representatives' vote on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2027 (NDAA).

"The National Defense Authorization Act has long been a bipartisan process that prioritizes our national security and the health and safety of service members. That is why I voted to advance the bill out of the House Armed Services Committee. Unfortunately, the politicized NDAA package that was voted on by the full House prioritizes partisan talking points over the safety of the American people.

"I was disappointed that Congressional Republicans rejected my proposed amendments to prevent the further delay of critical arms sales to Taiwan and prevent future hazmat crises following the Garden Grove chemical incident in May. Our troops and our national security must be the focus of the NDAA.

"Bipartisanship is key to this process, and I was deeply disappointed to see the full House change the bipartisan bill that came out of the Armed Services Committee, packing it with partisan priorities and attaching the SAVE America Act, which erodes our democracy through dangerous voter suppression measures. The SAVE America Act places onerous requirements on servicemembers abroad to cast their ballot, and would prevent millions of Americans from voting just because they don't have a passport. Our servicemembers and their families deserve better than political games, and, as a Veteran, I cannot in good conscience vote for the bill in this form.

"This bill invests over $1 trillion in the U.S. military, with billions for President Trump's reckless war in Iran, but lacks critical investments in the wellbeing of our service members and strengthening of our national security. When so many families across Orange and LA counties are struggling with high costs of living, I will not authorize over a trillion dollars in spending that doesn't serve the American people. I will continue to seek out every possible opportunity to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver for our troops and keep our country safe."

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2027 passed the House following a floor vote of 216-212.

Following the hazmat crisis at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, Representative Tran introduced an amendment to the NDAA to require additional transparency and accountability for defense industrial facilities that handle hazardous materials, including notification to nearby residents and coordination with local emergency responders about the use of hazardous chemicals. Representative Tran also introduced an amendment to solidify the United States' commitment to strengthening our national security in the Indo-Pacific after President Trump announced a freeze on a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan. By guaranteeing U.S. arms support for Taiwan, Rep. Tran's amendment would deter Chinese Communist Party aggression in the region, protect American troops serving overseas, and strengthen partnerships with essential allies in the region.

An Army Veteran, Representative Tran is a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee and serves as a member of the Readiness Subcommittee and the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee. Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 to give back to the country that welcomed his refugee parents. He served for eight years and was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge. The first bill Tran introduced in Congress was H.R. 1637, the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, to restore the livelihoods of Veterans wrongfully fired from their civil service positions. Tran serves as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force.

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