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Congresswoman Wilson's Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which she voted against:

"Once again, extreme MAGA Republicans have hijacked the historically bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. They have jeopardized the security of our nation to advance their agenda and trumpet radical and down-right crazy proposals.

"The NDAA, which has historically been a beacon of unity, strength, and bipartisanship, has been destroyed by their assaults on reproductive freedom, Black Americans, the LGBTQI+ community, and even books servicemembers read. 

"Instead of providing well-deserved raises to our men and women in uniform, adequately funding our military, and ensuring that our defense force reflects the diversity of our nation, Republicans have misused the NDAA to escalate culture wars, reopen wounds that haven't healed, and undermine our democracy. 

"MAGA Republicans embraced the most extreme elements of their party and engaged in racist, misogynistic, and divisive acts: from referring to Black Americans as "colored people" to stripping away health care options from military families. Republicans' hateful stunts and out-of-touch NDAA proposals reflect their true colors. I don't ever want to hear another Republican claim that they are the party that champions our national security, military, and veterans.

"It's disheartening to witness Republicans sacrifice the bipartisan spirit of the NDAA to score political points. The NDAA is not a political bargaining chip. It's a bipartisan tool for safeguarding our national security. We must not let this betrayal of the American people go unnoticed.

"The GOP's NDAA is a nightmare that must not become our reality. We cannot allow our country to become a place where our hard-earned freedoms are taken away and diversity becomes a dream.

"What a heartbreaking day in our nation's history. It is painful to watch Republicans stoop so low that they even prioritize the MAGA agenda over our national defense. 

"We must stand united and defend our values against these flagrant attacks. I call upon my colleagues, who care about the safety and well-being of our nation, to reject these harmful amendments and restore the integrity of the NDAA. 

"Our military deserves better. The American people deserve better."

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