Harris Statement on NDAA Amendment Vote

Statement

U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) on Wednesday released the following statement after the vote on Senator Bernie Sanders' (I-VT) amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have redirected 10 percent of Pentagon funding to various federal programs:

"As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees, I'm keenly aware of the global threats facing our country. I'm honored to represent a state with the most service members and military families in the country, and I take seriously my responsibility to do what's best for them. I've had conversations with people in California and across the country, and I have heard the pride with which Americans speak about our brave service members and agree that the United States military should always be second to none.

"I applaud Senator Sanders and am grateful for all the work that he's done on this amendment. I unequivocally agree with the goal of reducing the defense budget and redirecting funding to communities in need, but it must be done strategically. I remain supportive of the effort, and am hopeful that with the benefit of additional time, future efforts will more specifically address these complicated issues and earn my enthusiastic support.

"Congress must finally make smart investments in American communities during this crisis. People across the country are hurting. Parents can't find work, kids can't go to school, and sick people can't afford the health care they need. Now more than ever, we must find ways to reinvest in families and communities, which is why I have introduced the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act with Senator Sanders and the Saving Our Street Act with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). Congress has a responsibility to do more--much more."

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