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John,
As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have the ability each year to push through important programs and policy changes that keep our nation safe, support our service members, and strengthen our alliances. As you saw from the video I released reminding members of the military not to follow illegal orders, our servicemen and women and our national security are priorities of mine. As is holding this administration accountable.
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In an ugly, hyperpartisan political climate, it gives me hope that the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is one area where, although Democrats and Republicans still battle, we ultimately seek compromise for the sake of our country. This most recent NDAA marks the 65th consecutive year that this bill has been signed into law.
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Before sharing more – especially given the President’s actions in Venezuela and possible actions elsewhere – I want to make it clear that the NDAA does not give the President or the Pentagon a blank check or permission for their actions. Many of us on the committee oppose the illegal actions in Venezuela. Many of us want to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s aggression. And many agree with me that Defense Secretary Hegseth is not just unqualified but reckless and dangerous and should be removed immediately.
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Back to the NDAA. There’s a lot in the bill to be proud of – 40 of my priorities are in there – and I want to share some of the highlights with you. These wins are good for our men and women in military and good for Southeast Pennsylvania:
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- Sec. Hegseth eliminated the Women’s Initiative Teams (a group identifying and proposing fixes to policies and practices that disproportionately negatively impact women) but I reversed that and made it law.
- President Trump deployed members of the military to U.S. cities and it was often unclear who they were, making oversight difficult and deeply eroding public trust. Going forward, members of the military must have their service clearly visible on their uniform.
- Southeast Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the U.S. helicopter industry and I secured programs that modernize these aircraft while supporting good paying jobs in the region.
- Sec. Hegseth removed staff – including teachers and special education assessors – from military schools across the country. Going forward, he won’t be able to do that. I also secured an expansion of child care services for military families.
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These are just a few of the dozens of gains I helped realize in this year’s NDAA. I am incredibly grateful we were able to get this bill over the finish line, John. But with the ongoing unpredictability within the Department of Defense, our work is far from over.
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We must build on this momentum as we inch closer to the 2026 midterms so we can protect our national security, democracy, and our freedoms.
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So please, will you chip in $5 or whatever you can spare to help me win in PA-06 and continue the fight for service members, working families, and our country?
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Your support and commitment are the reason we can enter this new year with renewed optimism and win big in November.
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Thank you,
Chrissy
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