Omar, Pocan, Co-Chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus Slam Trump's Immoral Defense Budget

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), co-chairs of the Defense Spending Reduction Caucus, released the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Today, we voted NO on the National Defense Authorization Act because Congress cannot continue to write blank checks for endless wars. While millions of Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, Congress is choosing to authorize over $1 trillion for the Pentagon, once again funneling billions of taxpayer dollars to defense contractors instead of investing in the needs of working people. The American people are sick and tired of funding atrocities abroad and want this war with Iran to end. Yet year after year, the Pentagon fails its audit with virtually no accountability, while Congress continues to increase military spending. We should be investing in affordable housing, healthcare, education, and good-paying jobs—not bankrolling defense contractors.

“This bill also includes provisions that continue to fund and partner with Israel to develop weapons to further their campaign of terror. At a time when Americans are demanding an end to funding Netanyahu’s genocidal regime, Congress should not be quietly deepening our military entanglement.

“For all of these reasons, we voted NO on this reckless defense bill.”

###