Rep. Sherrill Slams GOP Leadership for National Security Delays

Washington, DC – Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the GOP House majority announced an indefinite delay to consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“House and Senate Republican leaders are putting partisan politics and a right-wing agenda above our national security, military readiness, and the wellbeing of our servicemembers. First, Senator Tuberville’s irresponsible holds on nominations are preventing positions like the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Director of the National Security Agency from being filled – all so Senator Tuberville can force his social agenda on the Department and on military families. 

“Now, Speaker McCarthy is indefinitely delaying consideration of the NDAA. This bill is the legislative linchpin of our national security. It’s how Congress sets our national security policy, exercises oversight of the Department of Defense, and invests in military research and innovation. It’s also the legislation that raises servicemember salaries and provides for childcare and healthcare for military families. 

“This delay in consideration doesn’t come in response to intelligence about a pressing new threat. It isn’t even the result of serious policy disagreements about the direction of the Department. This move is the result of House Republican leadership’s irresponsible attitude toward the debt ceiling. Speaker McCarthy is delaying this essential legislation to give himself more time to figure out a way to force draconian cuts down the throats of the American people while playing chicken with the full faith and credit of the United States. 

“Enough is enough. House and Senate Republican leaders must stop using the Department to further their extreme agenda. It’s time to pass a debt ceiling increase, confirm military leaders in the Senate, and move forward with the NDAA.”