Congressman Chip Roy (R) voted against advancing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), arguing House Republican leadership has failed to permanently codify President Trump's border policies and other conservative priorities before moving forward with the defense bill.
Why did Chip Roy vote no?
Rep. Roy announced he voted against the procedural rule to begin consideration of the NDAA, saying House Republican leadership had not followed through on commitments to advance key conservative legislation.
Roy said his opposition was not based on the defense bill itself but on what he described as leadership's failure to make President Trump's border policies permanent through federal law.
What Roy is saying
Rep. Chip Roy: "I had no choice but to vote no on today's rule to proceed to the National Defense Authorization Act because the House Republican Leadership has once again failed to keep its promises to codify President Trump's border policies into law."
Rep. Roy continued: "We must use every ounce of leverage available to make President Trump's border policies permanent."
What amendments did Roy support?
Although he opposed the procedural vote, Roy highlighted several amendments he successfully advanced for consideration in the NDAA, including proposals to
- Combat the spread of the New World Screwworm.
- Prohibit the training of foreign nationals at U.S. military academies.
Roy said he appreciated efforts to strengthen the legislation but argued that Congress should use its leverage to secure additional conservative priorities before advancing the defense bill.
What's next?
Despite voting against the rule, Roy said he remains hopeful Congress can soon move forward on both the NDAA and other conservative priorities.
He emphasized that authorizing funding and policy for the nation's military remains important, but said House leadership must first address outstanding commitments on border security and related issues.
