Ruppersberger Casts Rare Vote Against Defense Spending Bill

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today issued the following statement after voting against the Fiscal Year 2018 Defense Appropriations Act:

“Today, I voted against a defense spending bill for the third time this Congress. Because, as much as I care about the security of our nation, I understand that military spending alone won’t make Americans more secure. Our communities and my constituents also need funds for our schools, veterans, infrastructure and medical research. Families rely on programs like Head Start and Meals on Wheels to ensure their economic security.

As a Defense Appropriator, former Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, and a Congressman whose district is home to two Army installations, it truly pains me to vote against a defense spending bill. For years, we have asked our troops and military leaders to continue defending our nation with insufficient resources.  Our advantages over our enemies are eroding.

Instead of this haphazard approach, we should be laser focused on a bipartisan budget deal that raises caps for both defense and nondefense investments. I am urging my colleagues to continue negotiating a budget deal that both protects the homeland and provides greater opportunity for the people who call it home.”