June 14, 2024

Congresswoman Bush Statement on House Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

 

Washington D.C. (June 14, 2024) — Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following statement following House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“As a Congresswoman, my number one goal has always been, and will continue to be, putting the needs of St. Louis first. Because of this commitment, I voted against this year’s defense spending authorization package, which further expands the military-industrial complex, entrenches endless war, and contains numerous harmful provisions. This legislation authorizes nearly a trillion dollars towards our already bloated military budget. Even worse, Republicans have filled this legislation with extreme amendments, like limiting access to abortion care for service-members, instituting a permanent freeze on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion jobs, attacking the LGBTQ+ community, and prohibiting the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, they excluded our bipartisan, life-changing RECA amendment, which would extend and expand the program to include Missouri victims of radioactive waste from the military-operated Manhattan Project. It’s appalling that we always seem to find money for war, yet never enough to support those impacted by its costs. No matter where war-mongering Republicans place their priorities, mine will always be with St. Louis. I persist in fighting for our communities and advocating for Congress to shift its focus to passing budgets and enacting policies that meaningfully transform and save lives.”

Last week, Congresswoman Bush joined U.S. Congressman James Moylan (GU-00) to introduce a bipartisan amendment to the NDAA that would extend and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include Missouri and other parts of the country that were previously left out. Unfortunately, the Rules Committee refused to allow a vote on this amendment.

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