Neal Statement on House NDAA Vote

Washington, DC- Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement after the House voted on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"Our service members, their families, and the Americans they protect deserve a military that is responsibly funded and fully equipped to support them and defend our nation. As a member of Congress who is proud to represent two military bases, I remain deeply committed to ensuring the NDAA delivers for those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and reflects our nation's values.

"What Republicans have put forward in this year's NDAA is deeply flawed and profoundly irresponsible. After taking away health care and cutting food assistance for tens of millions of Americans, they are now asking those same families to foot the bill for a more than $200 billion increase-bringing spending to more than $1 trillion-to a military budget tied to a reckless war that is costing lives and driving up costs at home. Republicans have been more focused on using the NDAA as a vessel for their voter suppression bill and culture war fights than on working with Democrats to deliver a defense bill that meets our national security needs. I cannot in good conscience support the NDAA in its current form.

"Communities across our district are home to service members, military families, and companies that are critical to our national security and regional economy. The NDAA must focus on supporting them and not partisan gamesmanship. We must return to a serious, bipartisan process that reflects our commitment to a responsibly funded military that keeps our troops-and the Americans they protect-safe."

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