Rep. Chu Statement on Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which authorizes over $600 billion in appropriations towards defense operations, $38 billion more in war funding than requested by President Obama. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) voted against the final bill and released the following statement:

“I am committed to ensuring that our military has the resources they need to protect our interests at home and abroad and that we continue to advance our capabilities. However, this bill actually detracts from our national security by using budgetary gimmicks to avoid the dangerous and irresponsible sequester caps. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) should be a call to finally end sequestration and make the much needed investments in both defense and non-defense programs. But, instead, Republicans side-stepped their budget caps and left non-defense sequester level caps in place.

“I am also disappointed in a number of amendments that weakened the NDAA. Despite a number of DREAMers already proudly serving in the military, the bill struck language that would allow the Pentagon to study allowing others who qualify for DACA to enlist and serve. The bill also adds to our national security challenges by making it even harder to close Guantanamo Bay or restricts the transfer of detainees. Continuing to let Guantanamo operate damages our image around the world and flies in the face of our values.”

The NDAA passed by a vote of 269-151.