Rep. Cisneros Votes No on NDAA That Props up Right-Wing Culture Wars and Requests $1.15 Trillion Blank Check

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31), released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act:

"For over 60 years, the NDAA has been a bipartisan collaboration. Both parties have come together to support our nation's most valuable asset, our servicemembers," said Rep. Cisneros. "For the second year in a row, Republicans chose to play political games and put their divisive culture wars above the needs of our military. While this bill takes steps to begin rebuilding our defense industrial base, it falls woefully short on implementing Congressional oversight of the Secretary of Defense. It authorizes another blank check for the latest forever war in Iran, fails to address our urgent national security needs, and is riddled with harmful policies that hurt our troops. It also empowers the Trump administration to continue to weaponize our military against states and local law enforcement. Worst of all, it requests a $1.15 trillion blank check for national security spending. This would remove all guardrails on Secretary Hegseth. I have received no assurances that this department can be trusted to spend taxpayer dollars responsibly and I refuse to endorse this reckless spending."

The Republicans' 2026 National Defense Authorization Act:

• Includes harmful amendments that continue the rightwing culture war assault on the LGBTQ+ community and preempt state and local laws under the false premise of military readiness.
• Weaponizes servicemembers for immigration enforcement and the militarization of our southern border.
• Funds Trump's vanity project of constructing a new battleship, gives Hegseth additional funds for the war in Iran, and does not address ethical or corruption issues within the Department of Defense.
• Disregards the bipartisan bill that was originally passed out of committee that prioritized national security, servicemembers, and their families.

Rep. Cisneros is a Navy Veteran and the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, and Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. Rep. Cisneros is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on its leadership team as the Freshman Representative.

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