Mark Pocan: “There are plenty of reasons to support pay increases for military personnel but oppose the bloated $895 billion defense…”

“There are plenty of reasons to support pay increases for military personnel but oppose the bloated $895 billion defense budget. My hope is that the DOGE commission will seriously scrutinize the Pentagon budget, which has failed seven audits in a row if it is to be taken seriously. Today, I speak out to oppose the NDAA due to the GOP leadership's insistence on inserting rightwing extremist dogma over national defense. {time} 1530 Taking away healthcare for trans kids and not expanding access to fertility treatments like IVF for wanting families are two examples. Big Brother/Big Government attacks like those just don't belong in this bill. If we ignore extremism now, then the next time there will be another group attacked, and then another and another until eventually no one will be left to defend you when you need it, Mr. Speaker. Bullies and extremists rarely stop unless stood up to. Stand up for military families' ability to make their own healthcare decisions, not what extremist MAGA Big Government wants. Mr. Speaker, the fight of others today might be your fight tomorrow. Vote ``no'' on extremism.”