For all his talk of bipartisanship, it is no secret that President Obama has little interest in working with our Republican majorities in Congress. In fact, the President has issued 59 veto threats so far this year; the most in nearly a decade. While the President’s obstructionism is disappointing, some issues have still been ripe for bipartisanship—until now. Republicans and Democrats have traditionally found common ground on the importance of protecting our military readiness and funding our nation’s troops. After all, the federal government has a constitutional responsibility to “provide for the common defense.” That is why the National Defense Authorization Act or “NDAA” exists.
The NDAA has been passed by Congress annually, largely without controversy, for more than 50 years. This year’s bill passed both chambers of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and, if enacted, would give our troops a pay raise, improve information sharing to combat cyber threats, and provide important tools in the fight against ISIS. Despite this, President Obama just vetoed the bill. With the stroke of a pen, he has put our troops and our national security at risk.
Coming from a family of veterans, I was proud to vote in support of the NDAA because I know that the United States has a moral obligation to protect those who fight tirelessly to protect us. I find it appalling that the President – supposedly the Commander in Chief of our armed forces – would veto a bill to provide for the very military men and women who serve at his command.
At a time of escalating dangers at home and abroad, we need the certainty and stability that comes with a full year NDAA bill. The President’s political posturing must not be allowed to stand. That is why the House of Representatives will vote to override the President’s veto early next month. I look forward to once again casting my vote in support of this critical measure, because we cannot afford to play games with our national defense.
