Casten Statement on Voting Against the NDAA
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after voting against the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2025:
“The security and defense of the United States should not be partisan. American service members and their families sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedoms. Congress has an obligation to ensure they are supported and have the resources needed to succeed.
“Unfortunately, for the second straight year under the Republican majority, my colleagues across the aisle have turned the National Defense Authorization Act into a hyper-partisan, far-right wishlist. The version of the NDAA brought to a vote diminishes the readiness of our armed forces and includes attacks on the LGBTQI+ community and the rights of women in the military to make their own healthcare decisions.
“Once Speaker Johnson has decided that it is no longer politically advantageous to endanger American national security and removes these poison pills from the legislation, my Democratic colleagues and I stand ready to work together to support our troops and national defense.”
# # #