Jan's Plans & Pans - December 21, 2023

To finish out the legislative year in Washington, the House of Representatives voted on the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill authorizes a staggering $886 billion in new spending for the Department of Defense. Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflected that. Therefore, I could not, in good faith, support its final passage.

The legislation also includes an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. This section has repeatedly been abused to conduct millions of invasive searches for Americans’ communications, including those of protesters, activists, campaign donors, journalists, and even members of Congress.

The NDAA does not reflect the best interests of our nation at this moment. Instead of giving the Pentagon nearly a trillion dollars, we should make the investments in health care, education, housing, diplomacy, public transit, and the environment that Americans deserve. 
While there are some provisions in the bill that I support, like a 5.2% pay raise for both military servicemembers and the Defense Department’s civilian workforce and increased housing and health care support for our military personnel, I could not support the bill in its entirety. 

It is great to be back home and I look forward to seeing many of you as I travel throughout the district. To all those who will be celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, I am wishing you a joyful time with loved ones!