This week, the House voted on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which is our annual defense bill that provides critical resources to our armed forces so they can complete their mission and return home safely. I have voted in support of this legislation every year that I've served in Congress, except this year. The Democrats in the House chose to put their liberal fingerprints all over this bill, politicizing a nearly 60-year bipartisan process. 

As a lifelong resident of south Mississippi and member of the Mississippi National Guard, I've been always surrounded by many men and women who put their lives on the line to serve our nation. Which is why I was unable to support the NDAA for FY20. This bill falls significantly short of our most pressing military needs. 

Here's a bit of background on the Democrats' NDAA:
-Makes cuts to our military's personnel accounts. These accounts provide pay for our troops, as well as service member's benefits and housing. 

-Falls short of the topline total outlined by military experts and military generals which are necessary to maintain America's competitive edge against our adversaries. 

-Aims to close Guantanamo Bay and provide a direct transfer of terrorists from the detention center to U.S. soil.

-Bars the Administration from taking action to continue securing our southern border. For example, it prohibits the deployment of troops to our southern border to provide more support in managing the border crisis. I cosponsored an amendment to the NDAA that would provide the Administration flexibility with DoD funds to be utilized in securing our southern border. This amendment was rejected by Democrats. 

-Includes devastating cuts to programs and resources that are critical to deterring Russia and China, including cuts to nuclear modernization.

-Without considering ethical or conscience protections, the bill creates a controversial family planning program for military members that includes abortion as a family planning option, prompting taxpayer dollars to directly fund abortions. 

-Limits the President's authority to take preemptive action against Iran, even as Iran increases its aggression toward the US and recently shot down an unmanned US aircraft.

Speaker Pelosi should never put politics ahead of our troops, yet she has. Those who are protecting and defending our country deserve better. Congress holds the responsibility of providing for the common defense of our nation, and this bill doesn't make good on that sworn promise. I will always do what's right by our men and women in uniform and hope that Democrats will return to the table to work with Republicans on matters of national defense.

Supporting Our 9/11 First Responders
The House passed important legislation that supports our 9/11 first responders by reauthorizing the Victim Compensation Fund.

Those who were on the ground immediately after these cowardly attacks on America deserve our endless support. Passing this legislation provides peace of mind to the heroes of 9/11 and their families. I along with the rest of America will never forget the tragic events that unfolded that day, which is why I am proud to support the passage of this bill.

Academy Nominations
Each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. For more information, please review my page of Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Service Academy Nomination. Share this opportunity with any rising high school seniors who are beginning to think about their next steps. 

As always, I'd like to remind you to connect with me on social media so you can receive frequent updates on the work I am doing in Congress through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

In your service,  Steven