Ellison Statement On His Vote Against The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after voting against the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"The latest National Defense Authorization Act contains two main provisions I oppose. First, the bill authorizes the continued funding of the War in Afghanistan. That war -- the longest in U.S. history -- has cost thousands of American lives, untold Afghan civilian deaths, and hundreds of billions of dollars. As an original cosponsor of the Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act, I believe the only defense money we spend on Afghanistan should be for the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces. U.S. efforts should focus on diplomatic measures and activities that build civic and economic infrastructure.

"Second, we should not be codifying post-9/11 security measures that threaten civil liberties. Everyone from the ACLU to the FBI has expressed concerns about the bill. By preventing the military from transferring detainees to U.S. prisons, the bill essentially ensures that Guantanamo Bay will never be closed.

"We can support our troops while promoting a sensible defense strategy. The bill contains a 1.6 percent pay raise and ensures fair health care premiums for service members, both of which I support. But our troops and all Americans deserve a national defense that balances the national security interests of our country with respect for human rights and civil liberties."

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