Rep. Chu Votes Against Partisan FY26 NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesteday, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) voted against H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 231-196. Rep. Chu's no vote came after Republicans went against historical precedent and refused to allow the fair and full consideration of Democratic amendments while filling the bill with partisan poison pills.

"House Democrats offered common-sense amendments to prevent the President from deploying the U.S. military against American civilians, something Donald Trump already did in Los Angeles, and to stop Trump's continued politicization of our armed forces with the firing of highly-qualified and patriotic military officials who refused to succumb to his loyalty tests. Republicans blocked these reforms, leaving the door wide open for further abuse of military power.

"Trump's use of our troops for political theater is a waste of taxpayer dollars and a distraction from real national security threats. Every dollar spent on these stunts is a dollar not spent on readiness, housing, health care, childcare, and the equipment our servicemembers actually need to do their jobs and come home safely.

"This bill also strips protections from women, LGBTQ+ servicemembers and their families, and other minority communities, undermining the core mission of the Department of Defense: to protect all Americans. It greenlights Trump's political meddling in the ranks, invites retaliation against military professionals who refuse partisan litmus tests, and prioritizes culture-war attacks over the safety and well-being of our servicemembers and our country."