Rep. Sykes Opposes National Security Funding Bill, Condemns Inclusion of SAVE America Act

Rep. Sykes Opposes National Security Funding Bill, Condemns Inclusion of SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against H.R. 8595, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, citing concerns that the legislation cuts funding for global health and refugee assistance, weakens severe weather preparedness, and includes the SAVE America Act, which would make it harder for eligible Americans to register to vote.

Ohio's 13th Congressional District is home to refugee and immigrant families from countries including Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nepal, Syria, and Ukraine, making these global health programs especially important to local communities. This includes the Global Health Security agenda, which helps monitor and respond to infectious disease threats such as hantavirus and Ebola. It also includes the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government's global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment program.

In 2024, Rep. Sykes led the Northeast Ohio delegation in requesting federal disaster assistance after flooding that led to emergency declarations in several counties, including Summit County. After severe flooding caused nearly $6 million in damage across Northeast Ohio, Rep. Sykes said Congress should be strengthening preparedness and response efforts rather than reducing investments that help communities prepare for and recover from future disasters.

"This bill was already unacceptable because it cuts critical investments in public health, disaster preparedness, and America's leadership around the world," said Rep. Sykes. "But House Republicans made an already harmful bill even worse by forcing through the SAVE America Act at President Trump's direction. This is not election security. It is bureaucracy designed to trip people up and make it harder for eligible Americans to exercise their right to vote. It targets married women who changed their names, creates new obstacles for older Americans and people with disabilities, and puts unnecessary burdens between eligible voters and the ballot box. Instead of focusing on the challenges facing families and communities across this country, House Republicans chose to prioritize a partisan effort to restrict access to our democracy."

Rep. Sykes also opposed an amendment to the bill that would have eliminated U.S. assistance to Israel.

"Israel is one of our most important allies and I strongly support its security and right to defend itself. I opposed this amendment because it would have eliminated all funding for the American Embassy in Israel under this bill and cut billions in foreign aid to Israel, and also the Palestinian and Lebanese people. At this moment of continued volatility in the region, it is critical that the ceasefire be respected and that all parties avoid actions that could further escalate tensions. Long-term stability will depend on restraint, diplomacy, and a sustained commitment to peace and security for the region."

The bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.