Hoyer Statement on House Republicans’ Political NDAA Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on Republicans’ partisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) legislation: 

“Congress has a duty to provide for a strong national defense, and we ought to be able to put politics aside to fulfill that crucial responsibility. I have long advocated for a collaborative, bipartisan process to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) each year.  Typically, that approach prevails. Today, however, the Republican House Majority broke that tradition by inserting brazenly partisan amendments into the NDAA.  Whether restricting reproductive and gender-affirming health care for service members, preventing the Department of Defense from meaningfully addressing climate change, banning books in military schools, or undoing the Pentagon's diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, a small but vocal group of right-wing Republicans needlessly turned the NDAA into a polarizing piece of legislation with these additions. I was also concerned by the unsuccessful effort to withhold funding for our Ukrainian allies as they fight to repel Russia’s criminal invasion of their democratic nation.  I am hopeful that Speaker McCarthy and my other colleagues across the aisle who have voiced support for Ukraine will join me in pushing for further critical aid. 

“These deficiencies left me with no option but to vote against the bill. I will continue working to bring Republicans and Democrats together so that we can restore the bipartisan nature of the NDAA and present a united front to the rest of the world as we address pressing matters of national security. I will always share Democrats' commitment to investing in our brave men and women in uniform and their families.”