Pappas Statement on MAGA Republicans Politicizing Defense Bill

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after extreme members of the House of Representatives hijacked a historically bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to play politics with our service members and our national security:

 “I’m incredibly disappointed that extremists in Congress have hijacked what should be, and what has traditionally been, a bipartisan legislative process that is vital for our military and our national security. There are vital provisions in this legislation I support and have fought to secure, including military pay raises, addressing PFAS and toxic exposure, bolstering the Department of Defense’s anti-narcotics operations, and providing workforce and housing services for veterans. But derailing this process with dozens of blatantly political amendments, including a dangerous abortion ban for service members, is simply wrong and something I won’t support. I urge the Senate to craft a measure that sets aside these extreme provisions and truly focuses on our national defense. I look forward to supporting a bipartisan version that strengthens our military and respects the service of our Armed Forces once the Senate finishes its work.”