House Republicans Pass Divisive Defense Bill that Reduces America's Readiness

Press Release

"As with every bill that has come through the Appropriations Committee this year, there are deeply disappointing social policy riders written into the Republicans' Defense Appropriations bill. As Ranking Member, my primary concern is that the impact of these provisions will be more harmful in this bill because they signal to Americans who want to join our volunteer military that many are not welcome. These totally unnecessary provisions divide us, not unite us, and they will have harmful consequences for recruitment and retention across the force. I also disagree with some of the reductions the majority has made, including cuts to civilian personnel and climate resiliency programs. The cuts proposed to the civilian workforce will impact military readiness. This will burden service members with additional duties and shift work to an expensive private sector. Cuts to climate resiliency programs will leave the Department more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As written, this bill has no chance of becoming law. The majority must work with us in a bipartisan fashion to get to a bill that meets the needs of all our service members and their families."

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