Horsford Statement Following Vote on National Defense Authorization Act Hijacked by Extremists in Amendment Process

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted against Final Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. As a member of the committee, Congressman Horsford worked through the committee process to improve the legislation for Nevadans and servicemembers overall, and voted to send the bill to the House floor after that committee process. However, during the floor debate, MAGA extremists added amendments to the bill that attacked women’s reproductive health and LGBTQ+ servicemembers while essentially eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the Armed Services. 

“When we approved this legislation out of committee, it was a great bill that would deliver a historic 19.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted members. It would also provide raises for all other levels and address concerns around health care for our enlisted men and women. From investigating the challenges servicemembers have told me they face at Creech Air Force Base when it comes to housing and childcare to pushing for Assignment Incentive Pay for those serving at the base to prioritizing employment for military spouses, this bill would represent significant improvements for our servicemembers throughout my district in Nevada and across the country,” said Congressman Horsford. 

He continued, “Unfortunately, MAGA extremists have hijacked the legislation, adding amendments to attack reproductive health care, restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ enlisted individuals, and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that are so vital to addressing recruitment shortfalls. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these extreme amendments at the conference. I am optimistic that we will have a bipartisan bill once it returns to the House for final passage.”