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Rep. Omar on NDAA: Power of the Military-Industrial Complex ‘Firmly Entrenched’

December 8, 2020

WASHINGTON–Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"It is unconscionable to pass a Pentagon budget that continues to fund unnecessary projects and endless wars during a time of widespread suffering across our country. Thousands of Minnesotans are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. We should be investing our resources here at home—not increasing our already exorbitant Pentagon budget.

"This bill further commits our servicemembers to escalations abroad—including a now-two-decade old unpopular war in Afghanistan. Every dollar we spend on endless wars is another missed opportunity to invest in our communities. Shamefully, this bill does nothing to stop arms sales to some of the most corrupt and brutal regimes in the world, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

"Congress should focus on responding to the urgent needs of the American people such as prioritizing healthcare, housing assistance, and food access—not passing a $740.5 billion bill to appease defense contractors and special interests.

"In 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Republican President and former esteemed World War II general, warned that ‘We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.'

"Nearly sixty years later to the day, this misplaced power is firmly entrenched."