Rep. Craig Statement on Republicans’ Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against the Republican-led National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“For over six decades, the passage of the NDAA has been a bipartisan effort to protect our national security, support our veterans and servicemembers and ensure that the United States has the resources it needs to stay ahead.

“Unsurprisingly, House Republicans – who seem hell-bent on torpedoing any bipartisan negotiations this Congress – added last-minute provisions to the bill that target LGBTQ+ veterans and servicemembers.

“By introducing amendments that limit access to critical health care for servicemembers, veterans and their families; rubber stamp President Trump’s attacks on collective bargaining rights and allow arbitrary terminations of dedicated civil servants, they have made it impossible for me to support this bill.

“These provisions don’t make our country – or the people who put their lives on the line to defend it – safer. Instead, they put servicemembers, veterans and their loved ones at risk. I refuse to turn my back on those who work every day protect our freedoms.”

The NDAA passed the House with 214 Republican votes.

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