Castor Opposes Blank Check for Iran War in Extreme Defense Spending Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the extreme fiscal year 2027 defense spending bill:

"The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) typically is a bipartisan commitment to our armed forces and the men and women who defend our country. Unfortunately, extreme politicians in Washington hijacked this critical legislation with divisive policies that do nothing to fortify our military or improve the quality of life of service members, civilian workers and military families. The bill proposes to spend $1.5 trillion without a strategy for the war in Iran. I cannot support a blank check for an open-ended war with no clear objectives, timeline or exit strategy.

"The war has already cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, driven up gas prices and transportation - painfully rippling through the pocketbooks of Tampa Bay families grappling with high-priced groceries and bills. The highest costs are being carried by our service members and their families, who deserve a clearly defined mission-not continued uncertainty. Americans have made clear that they do not want war, yet extreme politicians refuse to listen.

"Families and small businesses are struggling with the rising cost of housing, health care, electric bills, groceries and much more. Congress should be laser-focused on lowering costs-not writing a blank check for a war the American people oppose.

"I hope that the House and the Senate can come to a bipartisan agreement on the NDAA, removing harmful policy riders and refocusing the bill on supporting our military and service members as intended."