Rep. Norma Torres Votes No on Extremist House GOP Defense Bill
Washington, D.C. – In response to the passage of the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) issued the following statement:
“In the dead of night, extremist Republicans hijacked our nation’s annual defense funding bill – a historically bipartisan piece of legislation – to turn it into a wish list for the most radical elements of the Republican party. I could not in good conscience support a bill that attacks our troop readiness by emphasizing culture war issues and undermining the rights of those in uniform. These provisions and others undermine the security and safety of the brave men and women who have chosen to serve our nation.
“Once again, Speaker McCarthy has caved to the most extreme elements of his party to push through a hyper-partisan bill that has zero chance of becoming law. Under his leadership, we are witnessing a breakdown of public trust in Congress, and this institution and our nation are worse off for it. While I am committed to working with both Democrats and Republicans to support our nation’s servicemembers and veterans, I will always oppose legislation that puts political theater over real investments in our national security.”
Congresswoman Torres serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which oversees all federal funding. She has vocally opposed the poison pills and budget cuts that House Republicans have previously proposed in this year’s government funding legislation, including bills to fund our national defense and veterans’ programs.