The U.S. House of Representatives Thursday night passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2022. The annual legislation appropriates funding for the following year’s military objectives.
Among the members of Alabama’s congressional delegation, three voted for the bill’s passage while four voted against the defense appropriations bill.
U.S. Reps Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), Mike Rogers (R-Saks) and Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) voted in favor as U.S. Reps. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) voted against the legislation.
The NDAA’s passage has sparked diverse reactions from various members of Congress representing the Yellowhammer State.
Brooks contends that the bill is a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” vote, citing the necessity of funding defense-related priorities, while maintaining that he could not vote for its passage due to progressive items included within the bill.
The North Alabama congressman stated, “Alabama citizens overwhelmingly reject taxpayers being forced to pay medical expenses for those who engage in transgender surgery and a life-time of costly hormonal treatments, reject Marxist and racist Critical Race Theory being forced down the throats of American service members, reject subjecting teenage girls to a military draft, reject using national security to promote private-sector unionization, reject the denial of due process for those who exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and the like. My vote reflects the will of Alabama citizens.”
Moore joined Brooks in railing against the Democrat-authored bill, pointing to provisions such as forcing females to register for the draft as well as components of so-called Critical Race Theory (CRT).
“By inserting the requirement that our young women must register with the Selective Service – without providing any justification or explanation for how it is necessary for our national defense, Democrats have escalated their war on traditional families and opened our daughters to the dangers of being drafted into combat zones around the globe,” said Moore.
He added, “Not content to stoke gender fights, Democrats are using this defense authorization bill to promote Critical Race Theory, a racist and intentionally divisive ideology that would cripple the morale and cohesiveness necessary for any military unit’s success. As a veteran, I know firsthand the importance of comradery and shared values inside a unit, and the promotion of CRT philosophy will unquestionably damage our troop readiness.”
Carl noted his work on the House Armed Services Committee to include provisions which the South Alabama congressman deems crucial to maintaining national security and strengthening the U.S. military.
“I’m proud to have played a role as a member of the House Armed Services Committee in passing a defense budget beneficial not only to south Alabama, but also to the United States’ overall defense interests,” said Carl. “Despite the weak budget proposed by President Biden, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I negotiated a necessary bipartisan increase in spending to counter threats and project U.S. strength around the world.
He concluded, “Our number one objective is fully funding our military and giving our armed forces the tools they need to defend our nation, and this bill delivers on these priorities. Now, more than ever, I remain committed to supporting our armed forces and working to keep America safe.”
As ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rogers applauded the NDAA’s passage, which he says will further ensure the United States maintains its position as the world’s premier military power.
“Without a doubt, our military is the greatest force for good the world has ever seen,” stated Rogers. “Providing the authorities and resources our troops need to defend our nation and defeat our adversaries is the greatest responsibility we have here in Congress. We accomplish that responsibility with this NDAA. The FY22 NDAA ensures that our men and women in uniform have the funding they need to be ready for any conflict or battle our nation may face.”
Sewell shared a tweet about the bill’s passage, saying she is “proud” to ensure that service members “have what they need to defend our country.”
One of my most solemn duties in Congress is to ensure our service members have what they need to defend our nation.
I’m proud that this NDAA gives our troops a raise while securing us against cyber threats, climate change, extremism, & global competitors.https://t.co/ye0dLGutV7
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) September 24, 2021
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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