Statement from Senator Kelly on National Defense Authorization Act Vote

Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly released the following statement after voting against the Senate Armed Services Committee's Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in committee:

"My vote against this year's defense authorization came down to priorities. While families in Arizona and across the country are struggling to afford groceries, housing, health care, and other basic necessities, this administration is asking taxpayers to spend more than $1 trillion without a clear strategy or explanation of how it makes Americans safer. More money is not a strategy, and taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability for every dollar Congress spends.

"We're already seeing the consequences of that kind of thinking with Donald Trump's war in Iran. After promising to keep America out of another war, Donald Trump launched a military operation without clearly explaining the mission, the end goal, or what comes next. As a Navy combat veteran, I have complete confidence in our servicemembers. The question is never whether they can do the mission. It's whether the mission makes sense, makes us safer, and what it's going to cost. I don't believe this administration has answered those questions and we cannot write them another blank check.

"I'm proud of the Arizona priorities and national security provisions I helped advance in this bill, including investments at Arizona military installations, accountability for the military's use of AI, support for next-generation technologies, and improvements for servicemembers and military families. I'll continue working with anyone-Republican or Democrat-to strengthen our national security and support the men and women who serve our country."

Click here for a breakdown of additional priorities Kelly secured.