Rep. Veasey (TX-33) Statement on Vote Against House Passage of FY24 NDAA

WASHINGTON - Representative Veasey, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after voting against House passage of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24):

"Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have regularly supported the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to our nation's security. As a member whose district is a major hub for our nation's defense industry, I have consistently recognized the importance of the NDAA in bolstering our national defense capabilities, honoring the valor of our service members, and providing for the hardworking Texans who are vital to our national defense.

"During the recent Armed Services Committee markup of this pivotal legislation, my fellow Democratic colleagues and I worked with our counterparts in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner. Together, we forged a bill that invested in the fundamental pillars of America's national strength and delivered tangible benefits for North Texas. The bill, as passed out of Committee, excluded radical amendments that could detrimentally impact our service members and undermine the military's preparedness.

"The bill that was initially passed by the Armed Services Committee has undergone a significant transformation and does not exist anymore. Speaker McCarthy, in a departure from bipartisanship, has permitted far-right ideology to seize control of our once bipartisan bill, introducing hyper-partisan and extreme amendments that devalue the sacrifices of our servicemembers and encroach upon their essential freedoms. Our service members and our nation deserve a higher standard than the NDAA passed today. That is exactly why I voted against this package today on the House floor.

"Undeterred in my dedication to our national security and the well-being of our service members, I will continue working alongside my non-radical colleagues within the House and the Senate. Together, we will finalize a bill before year-end that fortifies America's national security, pays tribute to the heroic actions of our servicemembers, and provides substantial benefits for the people of North Texas."