Rep. Veasey’s Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Marc Veasey voted against the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act on December 11, 2024. In the past, Congressman Veasey has worked in a bipartisan manner to put forward an NDAA free of partisan influence, one that ensures national security while also addressing the needs of the nation's servicemembers. With the recent politicization of the National Defense Authorization Act by the current Speaker, Congressman Veasey released the following statement regarding the NDAA:

"Ever since President Harry Truman integrated the military, our country's armed services have been a place that welcomes families of all backgrounds. My 'No' vote today reflects a growing concern I have had since last year that the NDAA is becoming a venue for fighting the so-called 'culture war.' That presents a national security concern for me, and therefore, I voted 'No,'" said Congressman Veasey. "The bill undermines the readiness of our troops by drawing political lines in what should be an apolitical process. It is not DEI that harms our national security; it is the politicization that targets minority members of our military that does."

Democrats worked tirelessly in a bipartisan manner to craft an initial version of the bill that would provide for our national security and improve the quality of life for our servicemembers. The bill that was presented today on the floor achieved neither.

The Congressman will always support our nation's servicemembers and seek ways to improve their quality of life. He strongly condemns the politicization of the NDAA, in which Speaker Johnson treats our servicemembers like pawns. Congressman Veasey urges his colleagues across the aisle to work in a bipartisan manner on future bills to that focus solely on the nation's security rather than becoming a battleground for a culture war.