Sen. Cruz: NDAA Does Not Protect Our Vital National Security Interest
Votes against final NDAA bill
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today voted against the National Defense Authorization Act citing several concerns, including an extreme land grab provision and ongoing assistance to Syrian rebels.
“The 2015 National Defense Authorization Act includes a number of problematic provisions, including an extension through 2016 of the program to arm Syrian rebels and an extreme land grab that restricts more than a half-million new acres of property from productive use,” said Sen. Cruz. “This is yet another example of Majority Leader Reid’s legacy of obstruction by not allowing any amendments to be called on this bill.
“Although this legislation contains a number of individual provisions I support, it is fundamentally flawed in that it neither protects our most basic rights as American citizens, nor safeguards the vital national security interests of the United States. Congress should reject this attempt to exploit our Armed Forces by self-serving politicians. The NDAA should serve to strengthen our national security and it is imperative that Congress respects and upholds this vital function. The men and women of our military deserve no less.”
Areas of concern in the bill include:
- No prohibition on indefinite detention of citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- No prohibition on funds used to transfer Guantanamo detainees to Yemen.
- Extended authorization through 2016 to train and equip Syrian rebels.
- Public land package which would increase the deficit by $82 million and restrict more than a half million new acres of land.
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