September 12, 2025

Ranking Member Takano Calls Out Shamefully Partisan NDAA

Press Contact

Meagan Whalen (Communications Director)
Elain Shubat (Deputy Communications Director/Digital Director)

WASHINGTON - Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act.

“The experiences our servicemembers have in the line of duty will shape the care and support they will require once they leave the military and enter civilian life. Yet, following their increasingly reckless trajectory, the Trump Administration and House Republicans poisoned historically bipartisan legislation with divisive priorities and harmful amendments.

“The NDAA passed bipartisan measures out of committee that could have earned widespread support on the House floor. But for the second year, the process was derailed when Republicans took the opportunity to score points, prioritizing divisive distractions over doing right by our nation’s finest. Republicans prioritized political posturing over the critical needs of our warfighters and addressing national threats, exploiting our national defense legislation as a vehicle for divisive social issues.

“Rather than strengthening the capabilities of those they may send to war, they are focused on fighting a war on the “woke” —alienating and targeting transgender servicemembers. Let me be clear, someone’s service carries no less value because of their gender. Republicans have lost sight of the patriotic duty they have to our armed forces, being led instead by their desire to satiate President Trump.”

The Republicans’ 2025 National Defense Authorization Act:

  • Ignores serious abuses of power by refusing to rein in Trump’s use of the U.S. military against American citizens for political gain.

  • Prioritizes partisan politics over readiness, distracting from real threats like China and Russia and leaving our forces less prepared.

  • Shortchanges servicemembers and their families by stripping out provisions that would have improved pay, housing, healthcare, and child care.

  • Weakens trust in the military by politicizing what has historically been a bipartisan process, eroding confidence among servicemembers and veterans.  

###