WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Subcommittee Ranking Members Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) issued the following statement regarding their intention to vote no on H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Investment Act and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).

“For the 64th consecutive year, House Armed Services Democrats and Republicans worked across the aisle to pass a defense bill out of committee that invested in the greatest sources of America’s strength: service members and their families, science and technology, modernization, and a commitment to our allies and partners.

“The underlying bill, rooted in the work of the bipartisan Quality of Life Panel, delivered a historic 19.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and pay raises for all other service members. It included improvements for housing, health care, childcare, and spousal support. By improving the quality of life of our service members and their families, Democrats and Republicans in the committee sent a clear message—we are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the strongest, most diverse fighting force.

“The adoption of poison pill amendments attacking reproductive health care, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color undermines the purpose of the defense bill by demeaning service members and degrading our national defense. That is why we oppose the final passage of the NDAA, as amended, on the House floor.

“We look forward to working with our Democratic colleagues in conference to ensure the military remains open to those willing to serve and that all those who serve get the respect and resources they need and deserve.”

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