Schakowsky Statement In Opposition to the National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act:

"I strongly believe that we must do all we can to protect our country and provide for our troops. Unfortunately, I was unable to support the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2017 for a number of critical reasons.

"First, this NDAA gives the Department of Defense far more money than they asked for. The President has issued a veto threat and the Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy also recommended a no vote. At a time when other agencies are being forced to make cuts to vital services, House Republicans are attempting to fund the Department at an unsustainable level. The Department of Defense continues to be the only federal agency that cannot pass a financial audit. That is why I joined with Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) on an amendment to require that audit and to identify wasteful spending that can be eliminated. Unfortunately, the Republican majority refused to allow us to offer our amendment.

"Second, the NDAA contains no new Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) to reflect the current war against ISIS. We cannot continue to operate under a 2001 AUMF that passed before ISIS was even created. It is vital that we debate and vote on a new AUMF that addresses the new situation and new threat. Yet, time and again House Republicans have blocked any action.

"Next, this NDAA contains language that exempts defense contractors from executive orders that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and that require fair labor standards. There is no reason why defense contractors should not be required to meet those standards so that their employees are treated fairly and taxpayer dollars do not go to corporations that discriminate against workers.

"Finally, the NDAA also contains language that would keep Guantanamo Bay open -- at great expense to U.S. taxpayers and to our reputation around the world. It is vital that this terrorist recruiting tool is shut down and that our nation moves past this dark chapter in our history.

"Despite my opposition to this bill, I was pleased that there is language in it to provide critical support to religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq -- including the Nineveh Plain. With the threat of ISIS, many religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq who have lived on the Plain for generations are under constant threats of violence and face perilous threats. This legislation contains language to help resettle and reintegrate religious and ethnic minorities in the region, while providing support for security forces to combat the ISIS threat. It is absolutely essential that we do all we can to protect religious and ethnic minorities around the world.

"Despite some positive provisions, this bill is too flawed, omits too many key provisions and ultimately authorizes too much money for me to support. It is my hope that as the process moves forward and we move to conference with the Senate, we will be able to those serious flaws."

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