Who Voted for the National Defense Authorization Act?
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a critical piece of legislation in the United States, outlining the budget and policy for the Department of Defense and other national security-related agencies. Each year, the NDAA is subject to debate and voting in Congress, with members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate casting their votes on the measure. Understanding who voted for the NDAA can provide insight into the political landscape and the priorities of the United States government. This article will explore the key players and their decisions regarding the 2021 NDAA.
House of Representatives Voting
In the House of Representatives, the NDAA was passed on December 8, 2020, with a vote of 285-138. The majority of Democrats supported the bill, while a significant number of Republicans opposed it. Among the key Democrats who voted in favor of the NDAA were Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey. On the Republican side, several members voted against the bill, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger.
Senate Voting
The Senate took up the NDAA on December 18, 2020, and passed the bill with a vote of 84-13. A majority of Democrats and Republicans supported the measure, with only a small number of senators voting against it. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe were among the key figures who voted in favor of the NDAA. Senators who opposed the bill included Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
Key Proponents and Opponents
Several members of Congress played significant roles in the passage of the NDAA. Among the proponents were Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith. They worked to ensure that the bill included necessary funding and policy provisions for the military and national security. On the other hand, opponents like Rand Paul and Mike Lee expressed concerns about the bill’s size, scope, and the potential for mission creep.
Conclusion
The NDAA is a vital piece of legislation that reflects the priorities of the United States government in terms of national defense and security. By examining who voted for the NDAA, we can gain insight into the political divisions and alliances within Congress. The 2021 NDAA passed with strong support from both parties, indicating a consensus on the importance of national security. However, the debates and votes on the bill also highlight the ongoing discussions and concerns regarding the size and role of the U.S. military in the global arena.
