Wisconsin’s Democratic Members of Congress Vote Against Defense Spending

Moore, Pocan, Vote Against the NDAA

Neither of Wisconsin’s two Democrats in Congress voted for the latest defense spending plan.

Both Madison Congressman Mark Pocan, and Milwaukee Congresswoman Gwen Moore voted against the National Defense Authorization Act.

Pocan said in a statement that he voted against the proposal that guarantees pay raises for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines because it doesn’t guarantee taxpayer-funded sex change surgeries.

““While we’re glad many of the poison pill riders that were included in the House-passed version were ultimately removed from the final bill, the bill does include a ban on access to medically necessary health care for transgender children of service members, which will force service members to choose between serving their country and getting their children the care they need,” Pocan said in a joint statement with Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Moore didn’t say anything about her No vote.

Pocan also said he opposed the National Defense Authorization Act because it "prioritized rewarding the wealthy and well-connected Military Industrial Complex with even more unaccountable funds."

Pocan also said the Pentagon cannot account for millions of dollars in past spending, and he doesn’t want to see more waste or fraud.

"It’s time Congress demanded accountability from the Pentagon. Now, it’s time to prioritize the needs of our citizens over unchecked military expenditures," Pocan added.

Western Wisconsin Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, did vote for the National Defense Authorization Act.

Proudly he said.

“President Biden has been an abject failure as Commander-in-Chief, putting our country and our allies at great risk. The morale of our service members is abysmal and recruiting is at a historic low. At a time where we face more threats than ever since World War II, it is imperative we rebuild and modernize our military capabilities and project global leadership,” Van Orden said in a statement. “The FY25 NDAA halts the America-last policies pushed by this administration and bolsters our national defense to safeguard American interests, deter our adversaries, and support our men and women in uniform by providing the largest pay increase in history for junior enlisted service members.”

Van Orden added that five of his recommendations made it into the final NDAA.

“I am also proud to have many of my provisions included in this legislation that provide necessary transition assistance program reform for those moving from active-duty to veteran. We must take care of our troops both before and after their time of service, and the FY25 NDAA ensures they have the resources, support, and opportunities needed to succeed in civilian life,” he said.

The House approved the $883.7 billion package over the weekend, on a 281-140 vote. The spending plan includes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 increase for all other members.

Senate Republican leaders expect the NDAA to come-up for a vote there next week.