Press ReleaseUrgent2026-07-23

Hayes Statement on the House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2027

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This press release from Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT) was published on 2026-07-23 and titled "Hayes Statement on the House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2027".

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Hayes Statement on the House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2027

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives advanced H.R.8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA), 216-212: "I voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, which would authorize an unprecedented $1.15 trillion in discretionary national security spending, a $251.1 billion increase from last year. Despite the 28% budget increase, Secretary Hegseth is pushing for $73 billion in supplemental funding for the war in Iran - adding to the $4 trillion in national debt. "Republicans cannot continue to increase the defense budget and simultaneously cut domestic programs that feed children and keep Americans healthy. Funneling over a trillion of taxpayer dollars in defense spending enables the President to move forward with his unconstitutional war and ultimately jeopardizes our military readiness. I could not support this legislation as it fails to meet our most pressing national security needs or hold this Administration accountable." The NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion for the Department of Defense, National Nuclear Security Agency, and other national security agencies. This is in addition to the $73 billion in defense funding House Republicans aim to advance through Reconciliation 3.0. Additionally, the legislation officially changes the name of the agency to the Department of War, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates could cost as much as $125 million. Since the start of the conflict, families across the country have spent more than $1,000 per household on fuel, food, and other expenses.

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Hayes Statement on the House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2027 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives advanced H.R.8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA), 216-212: "I voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, which would authorize an unprecedented $1.15 trillion in discretionary national security spending, a $251.1 billion increase from last year. Despite the 28% budget increase, Secretary Hegseth is pushing for $73 billion in supplemental funding for the war in Iran - adding to the $4 trillion in national debt. "Republicans cannot continue to increase the defense budget and simultaneously cut domestic programs that feed children and keep Americans healthy. Funneling over a trillion of taxpayer dollars in defense spending enables the President to move forward with his unconstitutional war and ultimately jeopardizes our military readiness. I could not support this legislation as it fails to meet our most pressing national security needs or hold this Administration accountable." The NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion for the Department of Defense, National Nuclear Security Agency, and other national security agencies. This is in addition to the $73 billion in defense funding House Republicans aim to advance through Reconciliation 3.0. Additionally, the legislation officially changes the name of the agency to the Department of War, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates could cost as much as $125 million. Since the start of the conflict, families across the country have spent more than $1,000 per household on fuel, food, and other expenses.