Congressman Cohen Opposes FY 2025 NDAA Over Harmful "Culture War Amendments”  

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote on the Servicemember Quality of Life Investment Act and National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2025 (H.R. 8070). Although Congressman Cohen strongly supported several of the bill’s provisions, including pay raises for enlisted U.S. servicemembers, he ultimately voted against the legislation along with a majority of House Democrats after several widely reported “culture war amendments” were added to the bill, including provisions attacking reproductive health care, women, LGBTQ+ individuals and more.

“The FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was passed nearly unanimously out of Committee provided a much needed 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members, a 4.5% raise for others, and improvements to housing, childcare and spousal support,” said Congressman Cohen. “Unfortunately, the addition of several poison pill amendments that take health care away from service members and their dependents, restrict the freedom of speech, and make serving in our Armed Forces less appealing to women and minorities turned the bill into one that I could not support.

“I will encourage my colleagues in conference committee to find a consensus that ensures our service members and their families will receive the support and respect they deserve.”

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