Sánchez: Republicans’ defense bill pushes harmful agenda

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026:

“The NDAA should be a bipartisan bill focused on strengthening our national defense and supporting our brave servicemembers. While the bill includes a small number of real Democratic wins, it remains divisive and harmful.

“I appreciate the tireless work of Democratic leadership and Ranking Member Smith to strip out some of the most extreme poison pill provisions. But even after those efforts, I cannot in good conscience support a bill that grants more funding and unchecked power to the Trump administration.

“The bill includes outrageous attacks on federal workers’ collective bargaining rights, opens the door to blatant anti-equality and pro-discrimination measures within the Pentagon, and maintains cruel anti-LGBTQI+ provisions that would deny servicemembers and their families access to essential gender-affirming care. It even allows President Trump to continue deploying federal troops to target and terrorize immigrant communities.

“It’s infuriating that Republicans continue to treat our servicemembers as political pawns. Our military families deserve better – a bill that reflects our highest ideals, not fuels more division.”

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