Congresswoman Torres Fights to Stop Politicization of the Military and Protect National Security in FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

Congresswoman Torres Fights to Stop Politicization of the Military and Protect National Security in FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, D.C. -Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres continued her fight to hold the Trump Administration accountable by demanding oversight of the dangerous misuse of the military encouraged in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Despite being one of the most sweeping bills Congress considers each year, the NDAA has become riddled with partisan provisions and political stunts that undermine true national security.

During NDAA, Rep. Torres highlighted two critical areas of abuse: the Trump Administration's 2025 National Guard deployment to Los Angeles and the Department of Defense's involvement in immigration enforcement. Both represent alarming examples of how U.S. troops were turned against American civilians and diverted from their core mission in order to advance partisan agendas.

"The NDAA should be focused on keeping our nation safe - not enabling political theater," said Congresswoman Norma Torres. "When the National Guard and warfighting marines were deployed to Los Angeles, it wasted taxpayer money, pulled troops away from real emergencies, and set a dangerous precedent of using soldiers against American civilians. And the President wants to do it again across America. When the Department of Defense is dragged into immigration enforcement, it diverts resources from genuine national security priorities. I am fighting to expose these abuses, demand accountability, and ensure our military is never misused for partisan gain."

Congresswoman Norma Torres introduced amendments that were denied consideration by Republicans in the Rules Committee:

• 911 Saves Act Amendment, co led by Rep. Fitzpatrick (R)- Requires the Director of OMB to categorize public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification System.

• Veterans Skilled Trades Transition Act Amendment - Directs the Secretary of the Department of Defense to submit a report to Congress on transferring military-acquired credentials to the civilian workforce.

• Oversight of Munitions Export Amendment - Restores congressional notification requirements on items in the U.S. Munitions list that are being exported abroad.

• Los Angeles National Guard Deployment Oversight Report Amendment - Requires the Inspector General to issue a report on the National Guard deployment to Los Angeles, including associated costs, waste, troop levels, and potential harm to national security. This amendment is cosponsored by Reps Lieu, Jacobs, Chu and Min.

• DOD Immigration Enforcement Oversight Report Amendment - Requires the Inspector General to issue a report on Department of Defense activities related to immigration enforcement, including associated costs and impacts on national security. This amendment is cosponsored by Reps Goldman, Garamendi, Chu and Min.

• Taxpayer Protection Act Amendment - Establishes the Donor State Protection Trust Fund, a special Treasury account designed to balance donor states' federal tax contributions against the federal funding they receive. The amendment also prohibits politically motivated funding cuts and prevents agencies from circumventing the law through reclassification or freezing of funds.

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