Rep. Garamendi Statement on NDAA NO Vote
WASHINGTON, DC – Today. U.S. Representative John Garamendi (CA-08), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding his NO vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA).
“For years, the House Armed Services Committee has worked to craft a bipartisan bill that ensures strong congressional oversight of the Department of Defense and guarantees that our servicemembers and their families have the resources they need to accomplish their mission.
“Each year, I have worked hard to help make this bill the best it can be, but this year’s bill falls short at a moment when congressional oversight is more important than ever.
“As the administration deploys American troops to our streets, carries out extrajudicial killings in the middle of the ocean, and uses military aircraft for deportations, Secretary Hegseth and President Trump are eroding our military’s readiness while advancing their authoritarian ambitions. At a moment when this Administration is dangerously close to dragging us into a disastrous and unauthorized war, this bill does not do enough to reinforce Congress’s role as a co-equal branch responsible for matters of war and peace.
“To be clear, the bill contains many provisions I am proud of. As the Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, I fought for military construction projects that will improve quality-of-life infrastructure—barracks, housing, and Child Development Centers, including one at Travis Air Force Base. I am proud of our work pressing the Department to take sustainment costs seriously, and I commend the committee staff for their tireless efforts to strengthen this legislation.
“Unfortunately, it is not enough. Let’s remember what this administration has done this year: threatened war with our NATO allies; purged senior officers and career military lawyers without cause; deployed the National Guard to U.S. cities over the objections of local leaders; entered a conflict with Iran without congressional authorization; diverted resources from critical military needs to fund immigration enforcement operations—including in our district; and wasted countless taxpayer dollars on unnecessary nuclear capabilities while undermining other modernization priorities.
“Meanwhile, Congress hasn’t held a public hearing since July and most Americans haven’t seen the videotape of the double-tap strike in Venezuela. And when we have demanded oversight, the Republican majority and Trump’s Pentagon have delayed and obstructed it. This bill’s solution, requiring DoD to report to Congress only after unlawful actions occur, is wholly inadequate.
“Congress can fix this. Sadly, this bill does not rise to the moment. Asking for reports after wrongdoing is not accountability. Giving Hegseth and Trump even more authority and more resources will only embolden their dangerous behavior. It’s time for Congress to do its job.”
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