Rep. Mark Takano Statement on National Defense Authorization Act
Washington DC – Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after he voted to oppose the National Defense Authorization Act.
“As a strong supporter of our military and veterans community, I looked forward to voting for a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that reflected our country’s priorities and principles. Unfortunately, the bill offered on the House floor this evening fell well short of that standard. I cannot support a bill that includes anti-LGBT provisions and I cannot support a bill that uses war funds to pay for non-war activities and programs.
“There are some sections of the bill I passionately support. It includes a provision, based on legislation I introduced, that would create a national pilot program modeled after California’s successful Work for Warriors program that directly places guardsmen, reservists, and veterans in good paying jobs. This initiative is an exemplar for reducing employment among our brave men and women, and I’ve worked with Democrats and Republicans in our region to increase expand this model nationally.
“These positive developments, however, do not make up for the discriminatory language included in the final bill. Section 1094 would allow religious organizations that are federal contractors to fire LGBT employees simply because they are LGBT. It is effectively government-subsidized discrimination. There is no place for these provisions in a national defense bill or any other legislation that comes to the House floor.
“I am disappointed to vote against the NDAA, but a national defense bill cannot be a platform to sacrifice the principles we are fighting to protect.”
Press Contact
Josh Weisz, 202-225-2305, josh.weisz@mail.house.gov