North Coast California News

Washington, D.C. – On July 14, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement on his vote against House Republicans’ partisan Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act:

“Today is one of the most disappointing days of my service in the House of Representatives. House Republican leadership has enabled the extreme wing of the party to undercut important defense legislation that has enjoyed decades of bipartisan support.

“The National Defense Authorization Act is an annual opportunity for both parties to come together in support of the men and women serving our country. Instead, Speaker McCarthy has decided to take what was a bipartisan bill and attach extreme policies that will undermine the health of service members and the security of our country. The final bill that McCarthy put up for a vote limits service members’ ability to choose to seek reproductive health care. Further, it makes us less safe by denying the threat that climate change poses to our military and by weakening the military’s ability to attract and retain talented Americans from diverse backgrounds.

“I support an NDAA that focuses on the needs of our service members and the readiness of our Armed Forces. That means leaving aside partisan issues and instead ensuring we’re paying our junior enlisted service members a living wage, supporting every service member transitioning back to civilian life, and investing in the innovation and technology that will keep us ahead of those who want to do our country harm.

“With these priorities in mind, I will continue to fight for a strong, bipartisan version of the NDAA before it is sent to the President’s desk for signature. I’m confident that once House Republican leadership faces the reality of divided government, we will end up with a defense bill that I can proudly support as I have at every other opportunity throughout my time in Congress.”

Original source can be found here.