Rep. Chu Votes Against National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, on a vote of 281-140. 

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) voted in opposition to the final version of the NDAA today and issued the following statement:

“The House-passed version of this year’s NDAA will make needed increases to the wages of our junior enlisted service members as well as other important investments in service members and their families, energy conservation, and our military readiness. I’m grateful my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate were able to block Republican extremists from including provisions to roll back the Pentagon’s abortion travel policy, stop TRICARE from covering gender-affirming care for transgender military personnel, and gut diversity and equity programs.

“Unfortunately, this NDAA fails to include a provision previously supported by the full House and the Senate Armed Services Committee to expand TRICARE coverage of IVF and other fertility treatments to all service members—regardless of the reason for their infertility. And even Republican Chairman Rogers has noted publicly: Speaker Johnson disregarded bipartisan negotiations by including a provision banning TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming care for minors, depriving trans kids of potentially lifesaving care. What’s more, this NDAA once again continues the unjust tradition of prohibiting the transfer or release of those imprisoned inside Guantanamo Bay.  I also continue to hold the position that the NDAA should spend taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively, but this year’s NDAA furthers excessive funding for a Department that has never passed an audit.

“Because this NDAA includes vicious anti-trans provisions and fails to curb excessive defense spending, I voted in opposition.”