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Thompson Opposes Partisan Defense Authorization

July 12, 2019

House Bill Falls Short on Critical Defense Investments

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.2500, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 by a vote of 220-197. The annual authorizing legislation sets Department of Defense (DOD) policy for the coming fiscal year. Representative Glenn Thompson voted against the legislation because it contained a number of controversial provisions and fell short on delivering much needed investments for the DOD, national security, and military families.

"Defense Authorization has a long history of bipartisan support, but the House bill simply does not provide our men and women in uniform the resources they need. Understanding a veto threat, this legislation will never be signed into law, yet undercuts military readiness and contains unnecessary riders weakening border security," said Rep. Thompson. "Regrettably, I could not in good faith vote for a bill that weakens our defense capabilities, ignores the needs of men and women who faithfully serve in our armed forces, and impairs security at our southern border."

On June 27, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the authorization, S.1790, by a bipartisan vote of 86-8.