Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Voting Against FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, D.C. - CongressmanGregory W. Meeks (NY-05) released the following statement:

"I voted against the FY26 NDAA because it fails to put service members and our national security at the forefront. While I cannot support a bill that prioritizes partisan politics over the real needs of our troops, I am encouraged that my bipartisan amendment to repeal the outdated 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) was included. These Iraq war authorizations are long obsolete, yet administrations of both parties have exploited them to bypass Congress. Ending them is an important step toward restoring congressional oversight and ensuring that decisions about war are made responsibly.

"Unfortunately, Republicans forced through partisan provisions that do nothing to strengthen our defense or provide meaningful support for service members. They rejected Democratic proposals that would have addressed pressing issues, from preventing the misuse of U.S. military forces for domestic law enforcement, to curbing unilateral executive war-making, to safeguarding the integrity and professionalism of our armed forces.

"These issues include the Trump Administration's use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement, its unilateral decisions on what is a threat and when to take military action, and the politicization of our armed forces, including firings of highly qualified and dedicated individuals who have served our country with honor and distinction.

"While Republicans play politics with our military, Democrats are focused on strengthening it. We will not allow partisan measures that undermine our troops or take rights from military families. Instead, we will continue fighting for Americans' healthcare, education, and good-paying jobs."