Reschenthaler Opposes Democrats’ Bill That Puts Politics Over Our Troops
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) voted against Democrats' latest partisan bill, H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, which would underfund our nation's military and put our national security at risk. The bill, which authorizes funding for our nation's military, passed along party lines, with all Republicans voting in opposition. In contrast, the Republican-controlled Senate passed their version of NDAA by a bipartisan vote of 86 to 8, with even Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supporting the measure.
"It is despicable that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have chosen to put the needs of our troops and the security of our nation at risk in order to appease their radical base," said Reschenthaler. "Just like their disastrous attempt to politicize humanitarian aid for children at the southern border, they are choosing politics over the will of the American people. Providing for our national security and men and women in uniform is a fundamental duty of Congress, but this bill falls woefully short of that mission."
H.R. 2500 funds the Department of Defense at $15 billion below the president's budget request, while advancing partisan policies that harm readiness and jeopardize modernization. Specifically, the bill slashes programs that deter aggression from Russia and China, reduces military personnel accounts, including troop pay and benefits, by $1.2 billion, and cuts nuclear deterrent programs. H.R. 2500 also opens the door to shuttering Guantanamo Bay prison and transferring dangerous terrorists to the United States. Critically, it includes language that prohibits President Trump from securing our southern border.
Reschenthaler offered several amendments that were approved and ultimately included in the final bill. One of those amendments mirrors the Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation Reschenthaler introduced earlier this year that allows military servicemembers to bring claims against the federal government for instances of medical malpractice unrelated to their military duties. Another bipartisan amendment offered by Reschenthaler ensures servicemembers' rights are protected while on active duty and away from home. Unfortunately, the adoption of these important amendments does not make up for the massive shortcomings inserted in the underlying bill.
"This is a bad bill that is going to undercut our military's ability to keep Americans safe," said Reschenthaler. "As a former Navy JAG, I am deeply committed to supporting our troops and their families who make sacrifices each day for our freedom. I urge Speaker Pelosi to stop the games and bring the bipartisan Senate bill up for a vote."
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