Scott Votes Against Partisan Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026: 

“The annual NDAA is a bipartisan effort and it should address national security threats. The House Armed Services Committee advanced a strong bill that includes investments in shipbuilding procurement of the third Columbia Class Ballistic Missile Submarine, $1 billion for the Carrier Replacement program, $1.6 billion for CVN-81 currently under construction, and $816 million for Virginia Class submarines, wage increases of 3.8% for military personnel, funding for military dependent students, and commitments to our allies and partners as we continue to face threats around the globe. 

“Additionally, I was pleased my amendment that will require the Department of Defense (DOD) to publish a status report on the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience Pilot Program was passed. That initiative seeks to improve collaboration between DOD and defense communities in addressing the rise of sea levels. My amendment calls for DOD to update Congress on the progress made so far by this program and share its plans to expand it.”

“Unfortunately, House Republicans played politics with our servicemembers and national security by attaching culture war amendments that attack the civil rights and liberties of LGBTQ+ service members, military families, and civilian employees. Additionally, I am opposed to the Trump Administration’s use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement and its politicization of our armed forces. It is my hope that these provisions will be stripped out as the process moves to the Senate, so we can pass a worthwhile NDAA.”

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