Welch Statement on the NDAA

Oct 10, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.)released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the annualNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
“The use of our brave troops by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for political theater—militarizing American cities against the wishes of citizens and governors, declaring wars without congressional authorization, parading around generals for a campaign rally—is a nightmare our founders would not have tolerated.
“My Republican colleagues voted down amendment after amendment that would have protected the military from these abuses by President Trump—including amendments to limit the President’s ability to use the National Guard for police work and requiring the consent of elected state governors before deploying in American cities. They even rejected a commonsense amendment to stop the Defense Department from spending hundreds of millions on President Trump’s vanity project to refurbish the 747 jet “gifted” by Qatar—at the same time that he is gutting veterans’ care.
“That’s why I voted against this Republicanbusiness-as-usualdefense authorization bill.
“While I will continue to stand up for American democracy and fight inefficient giveaways to defense contractors, I still worked to make sure this year’sNDAAincluded provisions that reflect American values and the priorities of Vermonters. I also made sure it included new provisions to take care of our troops—the Vermonters and Americans from every state that have dedicated their lives to our defense. ThisNDAAmisses the mark, but I am grateful for our troops and veterans—including those targeted by the anti-LGBTQI+ and anti-DEI provisions in this bill.”
The Senate’s FY 2026NDAAincluded policies led and championed by Sen. Welch, including:
Making the Defense Budget Work for Vermonters—the Senate’s FY26NDAAalso included measures championed by Senator Welch with direct financial impact on Vermonters:
Republicans were not willing to call up Senator Welch’s amendments to theNDAAthat would have:
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