Defense Appropriations Ranking Member Betty McCollum Votes No on National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on Wednesday after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"I am disappointed that I cannot support the NDAA this year. Instead of working to reform a broken Pentagon acquisition system, the Armed Services Committee continues to set expectations for future defense spending without the responsibility to balance the dollars needed. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I will work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to meet the increasingly unrealistic long-term spending commitments authorized in this legislation.

"The legislation includes language I oppose that allows the transfer of certain state Air National Guard personnel to the Space Force. As the commanders-in-chief of their states' National Guards, this provision is opposed overwhelmingly by America's Governors.

"It was good that some of the most abhorrent right-wing social policies have been removed, but too many remain. This legislation strips healthcare coverage for gender-affirming care for children of military families, signaling to servicemembers with transgender children that their service is not valued. Many of these children are experiencing a mental health crisis and desperately need care. This new policy will be devastating for parents who are seeking care for a child with gender dysphoria at risk of suicide.

"Unfortunately, while this NDAA conforms to the level of Fiscal Responsibility Act, it sets defense spending expectations that in the short-term may complicate appropriators while we work to complete the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Act. In the long-term it does nothing to control the unsustainable trajectory of defense spending that must at some point be confronted."

Click here to read Congresswoman McCollum's statement for the record.