Rep. Garamendi criticizes changes in FY25 National Defense Authorization Act

Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi, a leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, shared his perspective on the recent passage of the rule for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA).

Garamendi expressed disappointment in what he described as a departure from longstanding bipartisan traditions. "For the past 63 years, the National Defense Authorization Act has been the most esteemed stalwart tradition of bipartisan compromise in Washington, today this cherished tradition ended because of Speaker Johnson," he stated.

He criticized Speaker Johnson's decision to include a provision that Garamendi believes caters to extreme elements within the Republican Party. "Speaker Johnson in a midnight hail mary to save his speakership, added in a provision for the sole purpose of pandering to the most extreme wing of the Republican party over the head of his own committee chair – an action that is as callous as it is reckless," Garamendi remarked.

Garamendi also raised concerns about certain aspects of the NDAA related to nuclear weapons policy. He warned that these provisions could lead to inefficient use of taxpayer funds and detract from other military modernization needs. Reflecting on previous administrations' approaches, he said: "We remember how unstable and reckless the previous Donald Trump administration was with our nuclear arsenal, and now we will see an unchecked Donald Trump who is emboldened with these dangerous weapons."

Despite acknowledging positive work done on other fronts within the bill, Garamendi concluded that he could not support it under its current form. "While I am proud of the work we have done, I cannot in good conscience support this bill as it stands now," he asserted.