Congressman Cohen Votes No on National Defense Authorization Act

Press Release

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) tonight voted no on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The vote on passage was 329 to 101.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"Each year, Congress sends more money to the Department of Defense than the President requests. The $37 billion above President Biden's budget request should be spent on other domestic issues like making health care more affordable, reducing homelessness and poverty, improving our schools, and supporting job training opportunities. Though the bill does include a much-needed and deserved 4.6 percent pay raise for our service men and women who bravely defend our country, it also continues a wasteful legacy of throwing money at outdated ships, planes and other programs that the Pentagon has not even requested. Increasing funding for a Department that has never passed an audit is a poor prioritization of our values. We need better accountability on military spending, so I could not in good conscience vote for the bill."

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