WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding his intention to vote against passage of the Rule for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
 
“I will be voting no on the passage of the rule for the FY26 NDAA and standing in strong opposition to its failure to provide meaningful debate on core policy disagreements with the Trump Administration. Furthermore, there are a number of problematic amendments included in the rule that focus on divisive topics rather than strengthening our national security. Should these amendments be adopted, I will vote against final passage of the bill.
 
“For 65 years, the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act has been a testament to shared respect for the duty of Congress to provide for the common defense and to place the needs of America’s national security and national defense above politics. The rule undermines this long-standing tradition by failing to include meaningful amendments offered by Democrats to address critical issues.
 
“These issues include the Trump Administration’s use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement, its unilateral decisions as to what is a threat and whether to take military action; and its politicization of our armed forces, including firings of highly qualified and deeply dedicated men and women who have served our country with honor and distinction. Eliminating inspectors general dedicated to finding and preventing waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct; senior military lawyers devoted to ensuring justice is carried out; our leading experts on cyber warfare and security measures, and those who have served and risen through the ranks because they have been branded insufficiently loyal to Trump weakens the critical oversight role of the Congress and our national security and national defense.
 
“The rule further sacrifices the overwhelming bipartisan bill that was passed out of committee that served the needs of our service members and their families and included critically important reforms for our defense acquisition process to further strengthen our military in the face of growing global threats and challenges.”