WASHINGTON, DC – House Appropriations Top Republican Kay Granger released the following statement after voting against the House Democrats partisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 220 to 197.

“From day one of their majority, House Democrats have put forth partisan legislation and refused to work with Republicans on some of the most important policies,” said Granger

“The NDAA has been a long-standing bi-partisan bill – unfortunately, that is not the case with this bill. The Democrats have chosen politics over national security.

“Our men and women in uniform and our defense agencies cannot afford to be underfunded and limited by unnecessary policies and regulations.”

“For the sake of our nation’s safety and security I urge the Democratic Leadership to bring the Senate-passed NDAA to the floor for debate and a vote.”

Background:

Of concern, the House passed NDAA:  

• Fails to meet the President’s request for the Department of Defense. It is $15 billion below the President’s request amount;
• Cuts critical programs designed to deter China and Russia such as cuts to hyper-sonics and rapid innovation programs;
• Cuts readiness recovery, which include cuts to funding for spare parts;
• The bill makes significant reductions to nuclear modernization and recapitalization programs;
• Cuts personnel accounts, which fund troop pay, benefits and housing by $1.2 billion.