Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Defense Appropriations Bill

Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Defense Appropriations Bill

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after voting against the Defense Appropriations bill in the House of Representatives:

"Today I voted against a bitterly partisan Defense Department funding bill that strengthens Russia's hand against Ukraine, weakens democracy at home and abroad, and reduces military readiness by denying crucial medical care to servicemembers.

"The Department of Defense has never passed an audit, yet the supposed fiscal hawks in the GOP are now eager to increase funding for the Pentagon, while including provisions that deny servicemembers access to reproductive healthcare, and attack LGBTQ+ Americans who serve our country in uniform.

"Republicans also provided cover for Trump's flagrant corruption, voting unanimously against an amendment that would have prevented taxpayer funds from paying to refurbish Trump's $400 million 'Palace in the Sky' private jet that was gifted to him by the Qatari government. Now, the jet will be renovated at taxpayer expense before being transferred to Trump's personal foundation for his personal use when he leaves office.

"Our national defense is a deadly serious issue. It demands honest, good-faith bipartisan cooperation. It should not be a forum for partisan pet projects and culture war cat fights. I encourage our colleagues in the Senate to work together to send back a reasonable, responsible, and respectable Defense funding bill that keeps our country safe, and that we can all support."