2022: Schweikert Voted Against Directing The Defense Department To Enhance Energy Resiliency Of Operating Bases In The European Command Zone And End The Use Of Russian Energy Within Five Years. In December 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would, in part, "require the DOD to make plans to increase the energy resiliency of operating bases in the European Command zone and eliminate the use of Russian energy within five years." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 350-80, thus the bill was sent to the Senate for final concurrence. The Senate concurred with the House, sent the final bill to President Biden, and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 516, 12/8/22; Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1512; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7776]
2013: Schweikert Voted For FY 2013 Defense Appropriations Bill That Provided $605 Billion For Discretionary Defense Spending, Minus $43 Billion In Estimated Automatic Budget Cuts. In March 2013, Schweikert voted for the House's version of the FY 2013 Defense Appropriations Bill, which was bundled with a military construction and veterans appropriations bill for FY2013, and a continuing resolution funding the rest of the government through the end of FY 2013 at FY 2012 levels. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure provide[d] $605.3 billion in pre-sequestration funding for defense, including $518.1 billion in base funding for the Defense Department --- $2 billion more than the president's FY 2013 request, and roughly equal to the FY 2012 level. [...] OMB estimate[d] sequestration would cut most defense accounts by 7.8% or approximately $43 billion in FY 2013. Spending on military personnel, however, is generally exempt from the sequestration, as is most war funding." The House passed the bill by a vote of 267 to 151. Following House passage, the Senate passed a substitute version of the bill, which the House then approved and the president signed into law. [House Vote 62, 3/6/13; Congressional Quarterly, 3/6/13; Congressional Actions, H.R. 933]
Bill Included $87.2 Billion For Overseas Operations, Primarily For Afghanistan War. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill also includes $87.2 billion for overseas contingency operations, most of which is associated with the war in Afghanistan." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/6/13]
Bill Included 1.7 Percent Military Pay Increase, $70 Billion For Defense Research And Development And $127.5 Billion For Military Personnel. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure's base defense funding includes $173.5 billion for operations and maintenance, $127.5 billion for military personnel, $100.4 billion for procurement, $70 billion for research and development, and $32.7 billion for Defense health programs --- the fastest-growing part of the department. [...] It also provides for a 1.7% increase in military pay." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/6/13]
Bill Included $10 Billion For Ballistic Missile Defense Programs, Including Programs Congress Had Just Eliminated. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill appropriates roughly $10 billion for missile defense programs. It provides additional funds for cooperative missile defense programs with Israel, and funding for the MEADS cooperative missile defense system being developed with Germany and Italy that was terminated in the recently enacted Defense Authorization Act." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/6/13]
Bill Included Nearly $6 Billion For J-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The total includes [...] almost $6 billion for continued procurement of the F-35 Joint Striker Fighter [sic] plane." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/6/13]
2013: Schweikert Voted To Provide $512.5 Billion To The Defense Department For Fiscal Year 2014, And Another $82.3 Billion For Operations In Afghanistan And The General War On Terror. In July 2013, Schweikert voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, would have "provide[d] $512.5 billion in non-war discretionary funding for the Defense Department in fiscal 2014. It also would [have] provide[d] $82.3 billion in fiscal 2014 for contingency funds to support operations in Afghanistan and the general war on terrorism. The bill would [have] provide[d] $241.1 billion for operations and maintenance, $105.5 billion for procurement, $66.5 billion for research and development and $139.3 billion for military personnel, including a 1.8 percent pay raise. It also would [have] provide[d] $34.5 billion for the Defense Health Program. As amended, it would [have] bar[red] the use of funds in the bill by the National Security Administration to target U.S. individuals or acquire and store the content of their communications, including phone calls and e-mails." The House approved the bill by a vote of 315 to 109, but the Senate took no action on the bill. [House Vote 414, 7/24/13; Congressional Quarterly, 7/24/13; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2397]
Bill Sought To Prevent Sequestration-Caused Defense Department Furloughs Of Civilian Employees In Fiscal Year 2014. According to the Columbus Dispatch, "The House passed a nearly $600 billion defense-spending bill yesterday that included several measures aimed at keeping the Defense Department from furloughing civilian employees during the next fiscal year. The House defense appropriations bill includes at least three amendments aimed at barring the federal government from using any money to implement Defense Department furloughs. An amendment introduced by Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., would bar the use of federal dollars to implement sequestration-related furloughs of civilian defense employees. The two other amendments are aimed at preventing furloughs of those whose salaries are paid by a revolving fund not directly funded through congressional appropriations, and of those who are federal employees and also members of the National Guard or reserves." [Columbus Dispatch, 7/25/13]
Supporters Said Bill Restored Needed Funding To Defense Department That The Sequester Had Unwisely Cut. According to a press release, Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX) said, "'Ensuring the safety of all Americans is our greatest responsibility, and safety is provided through a strong national defense and by the brave efforts of our servicemen and women,' said Hall. 'In order for our troops to do their duties effectively and efficiently, they must have adequate funding.' Hall continued, 'When the President's sequester - which I opposed - took effect in March, half of the imposed cuts were irresponsibly made to Defense. In fact, the Department of Defense now faces a nearly 20% reduction in funding over the next 10 years. According to then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, these reductions go well beyond reducing inefficiencies and cut directly into necessary troop force structure and military modernization. Sequester-level Defense funding puts national security and the safety of our troops at great risk and endangers both federal and private sector jobs. That is why I am pleased to support this appropriations bill to close the gap on the drastic sequester cuts, stabilize America's Defense, and protect the security of Americans.'" [Press Release -- Rep. Ralph Hall, 7/25/13]
Opponents Said "Bloated" Bill Spent Money On Weapons Programs The Pentagon Did Not Want And On Obsolete Programs. According to a press release from the Congressional Progressive Caucus, "Republicans passed a bloated defense budget today that spends money on weapons programs the Pentagon doesn't want. This comes a week after they voted to cut funding to feed America's neediest children. The United States needs a leaner but more capable military able to defeat 21st-century threats. We also need to invest in jobs, education and affordable healthcare for working families. Republicans wrongly decided today that we can't have both. The Republican bill spends $47 billion more than the sequester-prescribed cap on defense spending allows and includes an additional $85 billion for overseas contingency operations, primarily to fund the war in Afghanistan. The bill increases spending on outdated programs and does little to help the 650,000 civilian Defense Department employees already being furloughed. This bill is a missed opportunity to invest in what we need and cut what we don't." [Press Release -- Congressional Progressive Caucus, 7/25/13]
2013: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $638.4 Billion For Defense Programs In Fiscal Year 2014. In June 2013, Schweikert voted against a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, would have "authorize[d] $638.4 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2014, including $85.8 billion for overseas contingency operations. Excluding the war funding, it would [have] authorize[d] $241.7 billion for operations and maintenance; $99.6 billion for procurement; $136.1 billion for military personnel; $10.1 billion for military construction, family housing and base closure; $68 billion for research, development, testing and evaluation; nearly $10 billion for missile defense and $33.7 billion for the Defense Health Program. The bill would [have] authorize[d] a 1.8 percent pay increase for military personnel and would [have] prohibit[ed] the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay military facilities to the United States. The bill would [have] establish[ed] mandatory minimum sentences for sexual assault offenses and bar commanders from dismissing a finding in such cases by a court martial or reducing a guilty finding to a lesser offense. As amended it would [have] state[d] that it is U.S. policy that the president shall transfer combat operations from U.S. forces to Afghanistan by the end of 2013 and complete an accelerated transition of military and security operations by the end of 2014." The House approved the bill by a vote of 315 to 108, but the Senate took no action on the bill. [House Vote 244, 6/14/13; Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/13; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1960]
Bill Prohibited Commanders From Overturning Rape And Sexual Assault Convictions, And Increased Required Penalties For Rape And Sexual Assault-Related Crimes In The Military. According to CBS News, "In addition to those routine authorizations, however, the bill also cracks down on sexual assault in the military, an issue that has been under the microscope since a recent report revealed that there were 26,000 cases of military sexual assault in 2012. The bill includes a mandatory two-year jail sentence for armed service members convicted in a military court of rape or sexual assault and would strip commanders of the power to overturn convictions in rape and sexual assault cases. Moreover, it calls for the dismissal or dishonorable discharge of service members convicted of attempting or committing sex-related crimes such as rape, sexual assault, or forced sodomy. It also would allow victims of sexual assault to apply for a permanent transfer out of their unit and allow commanders to temporarily transfer those who have been accused of sexual assault." [CBS News, 6/14/13]
Bill Required Defense Secretary To Outline Military Options For Removing Syrian Leader Bashar Assad From Power. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill would require Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to outline military options for removing Assad from power, including the establishment of a no-fly zone, arming the Free Syrian Army with heavy military equipment and conducting limited airstrikes against runways and other infrastructure. [House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard "Buck"] McKeon said he was 'deeply concerned about our ability to honor and uphold red lines' -- referring to a point at which the United States would have to respond militarily in Syria -- given the impact of budget cuts on military readiness." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/13]
Bill Required U.S. To Transfer Afghanistan Combat Operations To Afghan Forces By End Of 2013, Vote On Deployment Of U.S. Troops Past 2014. According to Congressional Quarterly, "[T]he House on Thursday adopted an amendment by Jim McGovern, D-Mass., that would make it U.S. policy to transfer combat operations to Afghanistan by the end of 2013 and other military and security operations by the end of 2014, officially ending a war that has lasted more than 12 years, with more than 2,000 U.S. troops killed, 17,000 wounded and costs amounting to nearly $700 billion -- or more, according to McGovern. The amendment also would require the administration to pursue negotiations to address the security and stability of Afghanistan and the broader region. 'Hundreds of billions of dollars, hundreds of lives lost,' McGovern said. 'It is time to end the war in Afghanistan, bring our troops home and take seriously our duty as a Congress to specifically authorize any mission and troop presence beyond 2014.' McGovern's proposal also would express the sense of Congress that if Obama determines the need to deploy U.S. troops in Afghanistan after 2014, Congress should vote on authorizing military action no later than June 2014." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/13]
Supporters Said Bill Improved Readiness And Ensured U.S. Troops Have The Support And Benefits They Need. According to a House Armed Services Committee press release, McKeon said, "For the fifty second year in a row, the House has come together - Republicans and Democrats- to do our most important work; support the troops, and provide for our common defense. This bill makes vital investments to repair our crumbling readiness, ensures our troops have the support and benefits they deserve and have earned, and institutes reforms designed to stamp out the incidents of sexual assault within the ranks. Every member can be proud of the work they have done here today." [Press Release -- House Armed Services Committee, 6/14/13]
Opponents Criticized Bill For Exceeding $498 Billion Defense Spending Cap, Saying House Republicans' Pledge To Meet Overall $966 Billion Cap Meant Even Further Cuts To Domestic Programs. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Many Democrats criticized the spending levels in the bill, which would exceed Pentagon requests and come at the expense of other domestic programs. With the bill, House Republicans would dramatically exceed the $498 billion defense spending cap set under sequestration, but they plan to abide by the overall $966 billion limit. In seeking the $60 billion reduction to the defense bill, Nolan said it was 'time to put an end to the wars of choice and the nation building abroad and start rebuilding America.'" [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/13]
2014: Schweikert Voted Against Providing $554.2 billion For Defense As Part Of A $1.013 Trillion Bill That Funded The Federal Government -- Except For The Department Of Homeland Security -- Through The End Of FY 2015. In December 2014, Schweikert voted against legislation that, according to Congressional Quarterly, "provide[d] $1.013 trillion in discretionary appropriations in fiscal 2015 for federal departments and agencies covered by the 12 unfinished fiscal 2015 spending bills. Included in that total is: $20.6 billion for Agriculture; $61.1 billion for Commerce-Justice-Science; $554.2 billion for Defense, including $64 billion for overseas contingency operations associated with the war in Afghanistan, the fight against ISIS and other counterterrorism operations; $34.2 billion for Energy-Water; $43.2 billion for Financial Services; $30 billion for Interior-Environment; $158.2 billion for Labor-HHS-Education; $4.3 billion for the Legislative Branch; $71.8 billion for Military Construction-VA; $52 billion for State-Foreign Operations; and $53.5 billion for Transportation-HUD. [...] It also [...] provide[d] $5.4 billion in emergency funding to address the Ebola outbreak and $6.5 billion in disaster aid." The vote was on a motion to concur in the Senate Amendment with an Amendment. The House agreed to the motion 219 to 206. The Senate agreed to by a vote of 56 to 40. Afterwards, the amended legislation was sent to the president, who signed it into law. [House Vote 563, 12/11/14; Congressional Quarterly, 12/13/14; Public Law 113-235, 12/16/14; Congressional Actions, H.R. 83]
Legislation Appropriated $1.3 Billion For 85 Multiuse Black Hawks For The Army And The National Guard, $103 Million More Than The President Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It also appropriates $1.3 billion for 85 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $103 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for six additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/10/15]
Legislation Appropriates About $8 Billion For F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement appropriates $14.8 billion for aircraft for the Navy, $12.1 billion for Air Force planes and $5.2 billion for Army aircraft. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter The agreement provides $8 billion for 38 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, including $1.6 billion in research and development funds." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/10/15]
Legislation Appropriates $1.3 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement appropriates $1.3 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/10/15]
2014: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. In December 2014, Schweikert voted for a bill that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize[d] $495.9 billion for the Defense Department's base budget, $17.5 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department and $63.7 billion to support overseas contingency operations including $5.1 billion to counter the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. It would [have] include[d] $212 billion for operations and maintenance, $171 billion for personnel costs, including health care, $100 billion for procurement and $64 billion for research and development." The vote was on a motion to concur with the Senate amendment with a House amendment. The House passed the bill by a vote of 300 to 119. The Senate later passed the measure, and the president then signed it into law. [House Vote 551, 12/4/14; Congressional Quarterly, 12/4/14; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3979]
Legislation Included $1.3 Billion For 85 Multiuse Black Hawks For The Army And The National Guard, $103 Million More Than The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure also authorizes $1.3 billion for 85 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $103 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for six additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/14]
Legislation Authorized About $8 Billion For The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure authorizes $13.5 billion for 109 Navy aircraft and $12.3 billion for 114 Air Force planes, including the following: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter --- $6.5 billion for procurement and $1.6 billion for research and development of the F-35, equal to the request." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/14]
Legislation Authorized $1.3 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program, $35 Million More Than The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement authorizes $1.3 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, $35 million less than the president's request." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/14]
2014: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill. In June 2014, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "provide[d] $570.4 billion in non-war discretionary funding for the Defense Department in fiscal 2015. It also would [have] provide[d] $79.4 billion in fiscal 2015 for contingency funds to support operations in Afghanistan and the general war on terrorism. The bill would [have] provide[d] $165 billion for operations and maintenance, $91.2 billion for procurement, $63.4 billion for research and development and $128.1 billion for military personnel, including a 1.8 percent pay raise. It also would [have] provide[d] $31.6 billion for the Defense Health Program. As amended, the bill would [have] prohibit[ed] funds from being used by the National Security Agency for the practice of 'backdoor' surveillance -- requiring or requesting the redesign of a product to facilitate the electronic surveillance of a person who uses it." The vote was on passage. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 340 to 73. The bill died in the Senate. [House Vote 338, 6/20/14; Congressional Quarterly, 6/20/14; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4870]
Legislation Appropriated $1.3 Billion For 87 Black Hawks For The Army And The National Guard, $119 More Than The President Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure appropriates $1.3 billion for 87 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $119 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/16/14]
Legislation Appropriates About $8 Billion For The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter; Four More Aircraft That The President Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure appropriates $8 billion for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter[.] [...] The measure appropriates $14.1 billion for Navy aircraft, $980 million more than requested, and $12.0 billion for Air Force planes, $504 million more than the request, including the following: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter --- $5.8 billion for procurement of 38 JSF aircraft, $479 million and four aircraft more than the president's request. The measure also provides $1.6 billion for continued research and development of the F-35, equal to the request." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/16/14]
Legislation Appropriated $1.3 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, $35 Million Less Than Requested By The President. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill appropriates $1.3 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, $35 million less than the president's request." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/16/14]
2014: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. In May 2014, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize[d] $592.9 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2015 including $79.4 billion for overseas contingency operations. It would [have] authorize[d] $229 billion for operations and maintenance; $97 billion for procurement; $6.5 billion for military construction and family housing; $64 billion for research, development, testing and evaluation; $9 billion for ballistic missile defense and $31.4 billion for the Defense Health Program. The bill would [have] authorize[d] a 1.8 percent pay increase for military personnel. The bill would [have] prohibit[ed] a new round of Base Realignment and Closure. The vote was on passage. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 325 to 98. The bill died in the Senate. [House Vote 240, 5/22/14; Congressional Quarterly, 5/22/14; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4435]
Legislation Authorized $1.4 Billion For 79 Multiuse Black Hawks For The Army And The National Guard. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure also authorizes $1.3 billion for 79 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $98 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for six additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/19/14]
Legislation Authorized $8 Billion For The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure authorizes $17.9 billion for 108 Navy aircraft and $11.4 billion for 108 Air Force planes, including the following: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter --- $6.5 billion for procurement and $1.6 billion for research and development of the F-35, equal to the request." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/19/14]
Legislation Authorized $1.5 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, $135 Million More Than The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill authorizes $1.5 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, $135 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for an additional launch competition." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/19/14]
2014: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2015 Republican Study Committee Budget, Which Increased Defense Discretionary Funding By $175 Billion Over 10 Years, While Freezing Overall Discretionary Spending At $950 Billion For Four Years. In April 2014, Schweikert voted for the Republican Study Committee's proposed budget resolution for fiscal years 2015 to 2024. According to the Republican Study Committee, "Specifically, this proposal sets the following common-sense policies: [...] Freeze discretionary spending at $950 billion, the pre-2008 spending levels, starting in FY2015 until the federal budget is balanced. [...] Secure our Nation's defense by growing our military funding from $521 billion in FY2015 to $696 billion in FY2024, the same level as the House Republican budget." The House considered the RSC budget as a substitute amendment to House Republicans' FY 2015 budget resolution; the amendment was rejected by a vote of 133 to 291. [House Vote 175, 4/10/14; Republican Study Committee, 4/7/14; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 615; Congressional Actions, H. Con. Res. 96]
2016: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. In May 2016, Schweikert voted for an FY 2017 NDAA, which authorized over $600 billion for discretionary defense program. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "authorize[d] $602.2 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs in fiscal 2017. The total would [have] include[d] $58.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations funding, of which $23.1 billion of would be used for non-war, base defense budget needs. As amended, the bill would [have] require[d] the president to seek Senate confirmation of his national security adviser if the staff of the National Security Council exceeds 100 employees." The vote was on the legislation. The House passed the bill by a vote of 277 to 147. The Senate took no substantive action on the bill, but a different defense authorization later became law. [House Vote 216, 5/18/16; Congressional Quarterly, 5/18/16; Congressional Actions, S. 2943; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4909]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against Providing $573 Billion For Defense Operations As Part Of The FY 2016 Omnibus. In December 2015, Schweikert voted against providing $573 billion for defense operations in FY 2016. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "provide[d] $1.15 trillion in discretionary appropriations in fiscal 2016 for federal departments and agencies covered by the 12 unfinished fiscal 2016 spending bills. Included in that total is [...]$572.7 billion for Defense, including $58.6 billion for overseas contingency operations associated with the war in Afghanistan and other counterterrorism operations such as the fight against the Islamic State." The legislation was, according to Congressional Quarterly, a FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The vote was on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the bill with an amendment. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 316 to 113. The legislation was later combined with a tax extender bill. The Senate passed the larger measure and the president signed it. [House Vote 705, 12/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/15/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2029]
Legislation Included $214 Billion For Operations And Maintenance, Including Over $600 Billion To Reduce Readiness Shortfalls. According to the Military Times, "It also includes $213.6 billion for operations and maintenance, including $608 million to reduce readiness shortfalls, a major point of concern for Pentagon planners in recent years." [Military Times, 12/16/15]
Legislation Included $1.6 Billion For 102 Multiuse Black Hawks For The Army And Guard, $139 Million More Than The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure appropriates the following for the purchase or development of military helicopters: UH-60 Blackhawk --- $1.6 billion for 102 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $139 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for seven additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/17/15]
Legislation Included $10 Billion F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, $1.4 Billion And 11 Additional Aircraft Above The Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement appropriates $17.5 billion for aircraft for the Navy, $15.8 billion for Air Force planes and $5.9 billion for Army aircraft. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter The agreement provides more than $10 billion for 68 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, including $1.7 billion in research and development funds. The total is $1.4 billion and 11 aircraft more than requested." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/17/15]
Legislation Appropriated $1.4 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement appropriates $1.4 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/17/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against Providing $132.4 Billion In FY 2016 Funding For Military Personnel, As Part Of The December 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Deal. In December 2015, Schweikert voted against the December 2015 tax extender and omnibus appropriations deal which included $132.4 billion in funding for military personnel. According to Congressional Quarterly, the agreement "appropriates $132.4 billion for military personnel, including costs of pay, allowances, bonuses, survivor benefits and permanent change-of-station moves. The total includes $3.2 billion in the Overseas Contingency Operations section of the bill. It provides funds for a slight decrease in overall troop levels; provides a 1.3% pay raise for all personnel, including civilians; and denies most of the administration's request to increase certain Tricare co-payments, except for a small increase in prescription drug copays. The total supports 1,308,915 active-duty troops (3,715 more than the president's request but 1,765 less than the current level) and 811,000 reserves (equal to the administration's request and 9,800 less than the FY 2015 level)." The legislation was, according to Congressional Quarterly, a FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The vote was on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the bill with an amendment. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 316 to 113. The legislation was later combined with a tax extender bill. The Senate passed the larger measure and the president signed it. [House Vote 705, 12/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/18/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/15/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2029]
2015: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. In November 2015, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize[d] $599 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs in fiscal 2016, including $540 billion for the base defense budget (including $18.5 billion for national security programs at the Energy Department) and $58.8 billion for overseas contingency operations. The bill would authorize roughly: $209 billion for military operations and maintenance, $8.1 billion for military construction, $138.8 billion for military personnel, and $31.8 billion for the Defense Health Program. The measure also would [have] effectively allow[ed] for an across-the-board 1.3 percent pay increase for military personnel. It also would [have] authorize[d] $715 million for security assistance to Iraqi forces fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). It would [have] overhaul[ed] the military retirement system to blend the current all-or-nothing annuity benefit with a matching Thrift Savings Plan. The measure would [have] place[d] new restrictions on the ability of the president to transfer prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention center to third-party countries." The vote was on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill. The House passed the bill by a vote of 370 to 58. The Senate then passed the bill, which President Obama signed into law. [House Vote 618, 11/5/15; Congressional Quarterly, 11/5/15; Congressional Actions, S. 1356]
Legislation Authorized $1.6 Billion For 102 Multiuse Black Hawks For The Army And National Guard, $128 Million More Than The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure authorizes $1.6 billion for 102 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $128 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/4/15]
Legislation Authorized $11 Billion For The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Nearly $1 Billion More Then Requested For Six Additional Planes. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure authorizes $18.1 billion for 139 Navy aircraft and $15.9 billion for 201 Air Force planes, including the following authorizations and provisions: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter --- $11 billion for procurement and research and development of the F-35, including $975 million in unrequested funds for six additional aircraft for the Marines." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/4/15]
Legislation Authorized $1.4 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement authorizes $1.4 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, equal to the president's request." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/4/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against Increasing Defense Spending Caps For FY 2016 And FY 2017 As Part Of The Bipartisan Budget Act Of 2015. In October 2015, Schweikert voted against increasing defense spending caps for FY 2016 and FY 2017 as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Under the measure, the discretionary caps for both defense and non-defense categories of spending would each be raised by $25 billion for FY 2016 and by $15 billion for FY 2017 [...] The FY 2016 [defense] cap is raised from $523.1 billion to $548.1 billion, and the FY 2017 cap is raised from $536.1 billion to $551.1 billion ($3 billion more than the new FY 2016 level)." The measure was part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which also "suspend[ed] the debt limit until March 15, 2017" among other provisions. The vote was on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment with an amendment. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 266 to 167. The Senate later passed the bill and the president later signed it into law. [House Vote 579, 10/30/15; Congressional Quarterly, 10/30/15; Congressional Quarterly, 10/27/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1314]
Measure Also Increased Overseas Contingency Operations By $73.7 Billion For FY 2016 And FY 2017, Amount Is Above Administration Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, ' The agreement requires that funding for OCO activities, which is not limited by BCA caps, receive $73.7 billion each year --- which for FY 2016 is about $16 billion more than requested by the administration. [...] Republicans in their final FY 2016 budget resolution this year assumed that the sequester-reduced caps would remain in place and that $38 billion in additional funding for the base defense budget would be provided through the OCO account above the president's request. When the agreement's $25 billion increase in the defense cap for FY 2016 is combined with the additional $8 billion in defense OCO funding above the president's request, the amount allowed to be provided for defense in FY 2016 would be about $5 billion less than envisioned in the GOP budget." [Congressional Quarterly, 10/27/15]
Measure Offsets The $79.4 Billion In Discretionary Cap Increase, But Does Not Offset For The Increased War Funding. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure also provides an additional $32 billion in funding for Overseas Contingency Operations, evenly split between the two years and also divided equally between defense and nondefense. The plan offsets the $79.4 billion cost of raising the discretionary caps -- not including the war funding - through a combination of spending cuts, asset sales and revenue increases including extending the sequester of Medicare and other mandatory spending programs an additional year through 2025." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/2/15]
President Obama Vetoed FY 2016 Defense Authorization Because It Included $38 Billion In Additional Defense Funding Through OCO, While Not Increasing Funding For Domestic Programs. According to Congressional Quarterly, "President Obama, as part of his FY 2016 budget, proposed to fully roll back and replace all future sequestration in order to allow for increased defense and non-defense spending. [...] Republicans, with majorities now in both chambers, adopted a final FY 2016 budget resolution (S Con Res 11) that kept in place the existing sequester-reduced BCA caps for both defense and non-defense. However, to meet the president's total request for defense, the budget circumvented the defense cap by allowing an additional $38 billion for base defense programs to be provided through the uncapped Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) war-funding account. No additional funding was allotted for domestic programs, however. [...] Both the House and Senate did, however, pass and clear for the president a FY 2016 Defense Authorization bill (HR 1735) based on the GOP budget that would allow an extra $38 billion in OCO funding to be used to boost non-war defense activities. Because it would effectively implement the GOP budget framework, President Obama vetoed that measure on Oct. 22." [Congressional Quarterly, 10/27/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. In October 2015, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize[d] $604.2 billion for discretionary defense spending, including $515 billion for discretionary spending subject to sequester-reduced spending caps for FY 2016 for the base defense budget and $89.2 billion for the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO)." The vote was on the conference report. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 270 to 156. The Senate later passed the bill, but the president vetoed, which was not overridden. [House Vote 532, 10/1/15; Congressional Quarterly, 10/1/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1735]
Legislation Included Authorization For $1.6 Billion For 102 Multiuse Black Hawks For The Army And National Guard, $128 Million More Than The President Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure authorizes $1.6 billion for 102 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $128 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/30/15]
Legislation Authorized $11 Billion For The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Nearly $1 Billion And Six Additional Planes More Than Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, " The measure authorizes $18.1 billion for 139 Navy aircraft and $16.0 billion for 201 Air Force planes, including the following authorizations and provisions: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter --- $11 billion for procurement and research and development of the F-35, including $975 million in unrequested funds for six additional aircraft for the Marines." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/30/15]
Legislation Authorized $1.4 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The agreement authorizes $1.4 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, equal to the president's request." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/30/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2016 Defense Appropriations Act. In June 2015, Schweikert voted for legislation that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "provide[d] $578.6 billion in discretionary funding for the Defense department in fiscal 2016. The total would [have] include[d] $490.2 billion in base Defense department funds and $88.4 billion for the Overseas Contingency Operations account, and would [have] provide[d] that $37.5 billion in OCO funding be used in support of base budget requirements. The bill would [have] provide[d] roughly $218.8 billion for operations and maintenance, approximately $116.7 billion for procurement, approximately $67.9 billion for research and development and $133.2 billion for military personnel, including a 2.3 percent pay raise. It also would [have] provide[d] roughly $31.7 billion for the Defense Health Program. The measure would [have] provide[d] $715 million for security assistance to Iraqi forces fighting the Islamic State and at least $600 million to aid Jordan in its fight against that group. It also would [have] provide[d] $600 million to continue training and equipping moderate Syrian opposition forces and would appropriate $200 million for lethal weapons for Ukraine. As amended, the bill would [have] bar[red] use of funds by the National Security Agency or the Central Intelligence Agency to mandate that a company alter products or services to permit electronic surveillance of users, except for mandates or requests authorized under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 278 to 149. The legislation died in the Senate. [House Vote 358, 5/11/15; Congressional Quarterly, 6/11/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2685]
Legislation Provided $1.6 Billion For 143 Multiuse Helicopters For The Army And That National Guard, Equal To The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill limits the transfer of aircraft proposed by the department, and it appropriates $1.6 billion for 134 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, equal to the president's request. The total includes advance procurement funds." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/9/15]
Legislation Provided Over $10 Billion For The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It appropriates $16.9 billion for Navy aircraft ($745 million more than requested) and $14.2 billion for Air Force planes ($1.4 billion less than the request), including the following: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter --- $8.4 billion for procurement of 65 JSF aircraft, $710 million and eight aircraft more than the president's request. It also provides $1.7 billion for continued research and development of the F-35, equal to the request." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/9/15]
Legislation Provided $1.3 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program, $120 Million Less Than The President Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill appropriates $1.3 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, $120 million and one satellite less than the president's request." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/9/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted For Funding To Acquire Army Aircrew Combat Uniforms. In June 2015, Schweikert voted against an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit[ed] use of funds to procure any Army aircrew combat uniforms." The underlying legislation was an FY 2016 defense appropriations bill. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 51 to 378. [House Vote 352, 6/11/15; Congressional Quarterly, 6/11/15; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 491; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2685]
2015: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. In May 2015, Schweikert voted to authorize $604.2 billion in discretionary defense spending. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have, "$604.2 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs in fiscal 2016, including $89.2 billion for overseas contingency operations, of which $38.3 billion would be authorized for non-war base budget operations and maintenance. Excluding the war funding, the bill would [have] authorize[d] roughly: $136.6 billion for operations and maintenance, $109.7 billion for procurement, $136.4 billion for military personnel, $7.3 billion for military construction and family housing, $68.4 billion for research, development, testing and evaluation, and $31.7 billion for the Defense Health Program. The measure would [have] place[d] new restrictions on the ability of the president to transfer prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention center to third-party countries and would continue existing prohibitions against transferring such detainees to the United States or its territories. The measure would [have] authorize[d] roughly $10 billion for ballistic-missile defense, prohibit the proposed retirement of A-10 close air support aircraft, and effectively block an additional Base Realignment and Closure round. The measure also would [have] authorize[d] $715 million for security assistance to Iraqi forces fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) but would [have] require[d] that 25 percent of the funds be provided directly to Kurdish Peshmerga and quasi-independent Sunni forces. The measure would [have] authorize[d] $600 million to train and equip Syrian opposition forces and $200 million for lethal weapons to Ukraine." The vote was on passage. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 269 to 151. The Congress later passed an amended version of the bill, which was vetoed by the president and never overridden. [House Vote 239, 5/15/15; Congressional Quarterly, 5/15/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1735]
Legislation Authorized $1.6 Billion For 102 Multiuse Black Hawks For The Army And The National Guard, $128 Million More Than The President Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure authorizes $1.6 billion for 102 multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and Guard, $128 million more than the president's request. The added funds are for eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to address Army National Guard modernization shortfalls." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/12/15]
Legislation Authorized $11.4 Billion For The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Including Nearly $1 Billion In Unrequested Funds For Six Additional Planes. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Aircraft The measure authorizes $18.6 billion for 139 Navy aircraft and $16.0 billion for 194 Air Force planes, including the following authorizations and provisions: F-35 Joint Strike Fighter --- $11.4 billion for procurement and research and development of the F-35, including $975 million in unrequested funds for six additional aircraft for the Marines." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/12/15]
Legislation Authorized $1.4 Billion For The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program, Equal To The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill authorizes $1.4 billion for the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, equal to the president's request." [Congressional Quarterly, 5/12/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2016 Military Construction And VA Appropriations Bill Which Contained Over $500 Million In Funds In Un-Capped Spending. In April 2015, Schweikert voted for the FY 2016 military construction and VA appropriations bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "provide[d] $171.1 billion in fiscal 2016 for the Veterans Affairs department, military construction and military housing. It would [have] provide[d] $76.6 billion in discretionary spending, including $60.2 billion for veterans' health programs. The bill would [have] provide[d] $94.5 billion in mandatory spending for veterans' service-connected compensation, benefits and pensions. The total also include[d] $7.7 billion for military construction, including $1.4 billion for military family housing. The bill would [have] provide[d] $167.3 billion in advance appropriations for certain VA medical care accounts for fiscal 2017." The vote was on the legislation. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 255 to 163. The Congress later passed an Omnibus spending measure in December. [House Vote 193, 4/30/15; Congressional Quarterly, 4/30/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2029]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against The FY 2016 Conference Report Budget Resolution, Which Provided $523 Billion In Discretionary Defense Spending And $96 Billion in Overseas War Funding. In April 2015, Schweikert voted against the FY 2016 conference report budget resolution which, according to Congressional Quarterly, "reflects the current post-sequester caps on discretionary spending - $523 billion for defense and $493.5 billion for non-defense programs in fiscal 2016. Raising the caps would require a change in law. [...] Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., applauded the Budget committees for adding $38 billion in war funding above Obama's request, for a total of $96 billion in 2016." The vote was on the Conference Report; the Conference Report passed by a vote of 226 to 197. The Senate also passed the budget resolution. [House Vote 183, 4/30/15; Congressional Quarterly, 5/5/15; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 11]
Congressional Quarterly: Budget Offset Additional $38 Billion In War Funding With "Largely Symbolic Reductions In Military Spending After 2021." According to Congressional Quarterly, "The Senate Budget Committee raised a special war funding account for defense to $89 billion next year, offsetting the increase with largely symbolic reductions in military spending after 2021 as the panel completed its fiscal 2016 budget resolution. [...] The Graham-authored change in the fiscal blueprint adds $38 billion in funds through the Overseas Contingency Operations account to the $51 billion that was in the budget as written by Enzi. That would push the overall limit on defense spending next year to $612 billion, $1 billion short of the $613 billion assumed in the House budget resolution adopted earlier Thursday. [...] The change in the budget maintains a separate $7 billion in OCO funds for war-related State Department activities, matching President Barack Obama's request in that area." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/15]
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Argued Defense Spending Caps Imposed In 2011 Were No Longer Adequate To Meet Current Threats. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Graham said conditions around the world are 'dramatically different' now than they were when the 2011 debt limit increase law (PL 112-25) was passed, making more funding for defense imperative. That law set caps on discretionary spending through 2021, which were then lowered when a special congressional committee was unable to reach agreement on a $1.2 trillion deficit reduction plan." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/15]
Democrats Objected To Raising Defense Spending Without Also Increasing Funding For Domestic Programs. According to Congressional Quarterly, "There was little sign of intraparty rancor in the Senate, with only Democrats registering objections to the increase in defense spending without boosting domestic programs." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/15]
Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-VT): "Budget Gimmickry" "Lays The Groundwork For Another War To Be Unpaid For." According to Congressional Quarterly, "Bernard Sanders, the Vermont independent who is ranking Democrat on the committee, called the amendment 'budget gimmickry' and said it 'lays the groundwork for another war to be unpaid for and I think that is a very, very bad idea.'" [Congressional Quarterly, 3/19/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against The FY 2016 Budget Resolution Which Set Defense Spending Authority At $523 Billion. In March 2015, Schweikert voted against the FY 2016 budget resolution which set defense spending authority at $523 Billon. According to Congressional Quarterly, the resolution, "call[ed] for the defense budget function (function 050) to receive a total of $523 billion in discretionary budget authority in FY 2016, the post-sequester level set for defense pursuant to the 2011 Budget Control Act. That FY 2016 level is $1.8 billion more than comparable FY 2015 funding." The vote was on the budget resolution. The House passed the resolution 228 to 199. The budget resolution died in the Senate, but a similar concurrent resolution did pass both Houses. [House Vote 142, 3/25/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 11; Congressional Actions, H. Con. Res. 27]
Budget Resolution Assumes A 10 Year Increase Of $387 Billion While Cutting Non-Defense Caps By $759 Billion. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The [...] FY 2016 base discretionary spending adheres to the sequester-reduced defense and non-defense caps set by the Budget Control Act, and for future years it assumes a 10-year increase in defense caps of $387 billion while cutting non-defense caps by $759 billion." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15]
Budget Resolution Assumes $38 Billion In Overseas Contingency Operations Authority Over The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "For [...] FY 2016 defense funds, it increases the amount added to the OCO account by $2 billion (for a total of $38 billion added above the president's request) and [...] none of the additional OCO funds would [...] be offset." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted Against A FY 2016 Budget Resolution Which Set Defense Spending Authority At $523 Billion. In March 2015, Schweikert voted against a FY 2016 Budget Resolution which set defense spending authority at $523 Billon. According to Congressional Quarterly, the resolution, "call[ed] for the defense budget function (function 050) to receive a total of $523 billion in discretionary budget authority in FY 2016, the post-sequester level set for defense pursuant to the 2011 Budget Control Act. That FY 2016 level is $1.8 billion more than comparable FY 2015 funding." The vote was on the adopting the substitute amendment. The House passed the amendment 219 to 208 and later passed the budget resolution. The budget resolution died in the Senate, but a similar concurrent resolution did pass both Houses. [House Vote 141, 3/25/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 11; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 86; Congressional Actions, H. Con. Res. 27]
Budget Resolution Assumes A 10 Year Increase Of $387 Billion While Cutting Non-Defense Caps By $759 Billion. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The [...] FY 2016 base discretionary spending adheres to the sequester-reduced defense and non-defense caps set by the Budget Control Act, and for future years it assumes a 10-year increase in defense caps of $387 billion while cutting non-defense caps by $759 billion." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15]
Budget Resolution Assumes $38 Billion In Overseas Contingency Operations Authority Over The President's Request. According to Congressional Quarterly, "For [...] FY 2016 defense funds, it increases the amount added to the OCO account by $2 billion (for a total of $38 billion added above the president's request) and [...] none of the additional OCO funds would [...] be offset." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15]
2015: Schweikert Voted For A FY 2016 Budget Resolution Which Set Defense Spending Authority At $523 Billion. In March 2015, Schweikert voted for a FY 2016 Budget Resolution which set defense spending authority at $523 Billon. According to Congressional Quarterly, the resolution, "call[ed] for the defense budget function (function 050) to receive a total of $523 billion in discretionary budget authority in FY 2016, the post-sequester level set for defense pursuant to the 2011 Budget Control Act. That FY 2016 level is $1.8 billion more than comparable FY 2015 funding." The vote was on the adopting the substitute amendment. The House rejected the amendment 105 to 319. The House later adopted a substitute amendment identical to this except for a change in defense spending and then later passed the budget resolution. The budget resolution died in the Senate, but a similar concurrent resolution did pass both Houses. [House Vote 140, 3/25/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15; Congressional Quarterly, 3/30/15; Congressional Actions, S. Con. Res. 11; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 85; Congressional Actions, H. Con. Res. 27]
Budget Resolution Assumes A 10 Year Increase Of $387 Billion While Cutting Non-Defense Caps By $759 Billion. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The [...] FY 2016 base discretionary spending adheres to the sequester-reduced defense and non-defense caps set by the Budget Control Act, and for future years it assumes a 10-year increase in defense caps of $387 billion while cutting non-defense caps by $759 billion." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15]
Budget Resolution Assumes $36 Billion In Overseas Contingency Operations Authority Over The President's Request, With $20.5 Billion Only Provided If Offset. According to Congressional Quarterly, "To further boost defense spending for FY 2016 above the caps, the budget provides that up to $94 billion may be provided in discretionary funding for OCO activities --- $36 billion more than the president's request. OCO generally supports U.S. war operations and associated activities in the fight against terrorism. Under the resolution, however, $20.5 billion of that extra $36 billion could be provided only if it was offset by spending cuts elsewhere. Those funds would be made available from a special "Defense Readiness and Modernization Fund" created by the measure." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/23/15]
2017: Schweikert Voted Against The May 2017 FY 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Bill That Increased Defense Spending By $15 Billion; Trump Had Requested $30 Billion. In May 2017, Schweikert voted against the FY 2017 omnibus appropriations bill that would keep much of the government open and would have provided $1.16 trillion in discretionary spending. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The $1.163 trillion package provide[d] $593 billion for defense, including $15 billion of the $30 billion in supplemental defense funds requested by President Trump in March." Overall, the legislation would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "provide[d] $1.16 trillion in discretionary appropriations through Sept. 30, 2017 for federal departments and agencies covered by the remaining 11 fiscal 2017 spending bills. [...] The measure would also [have] provide[d] $608 million for health benefits for retired coal miners, $296 million for Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, and $341 million to replace 40 miles of existing fencing along the southwestern border, though the designs of the fencing must have been 'previously deployed'." The vote was on a motion to concur in the Senate amendments. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 309 to 118. The Senate later also agreed to the legislation, sending the bill to the president, who signed it into law. [House Vote 249, 5/3/17; Congressional Quarterly, 5/2/17; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 244]
2017: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2017 Defense Appropriations Bill. In March 2017, Schweikert voted for appropriating $557.9 billion in defense discretionary spending. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "provide[d] $577.9 billion in discretionary funding for the Defense Department in fiscal 2017. The total would [have] include[d] $516.1 billion in base Defense Department funding subject to spending caps. It also would [have] include[d] $61.8 billion in overseas contingency operations funding. The bill would [have] provide[d] approximately $210.1 billion for operations and maintenance, approximately $117.8 billion for procurement, approximately $72.7 billion for research and development and $132.2 billion for military personnel, including a 2.1 percent pay raise. It also would [have] provide[d] roughly $34.1 billion for defense health programs. The measure would [have] prohibit[ed] use of funds to construct or modify potential facilities in the United States to house Guantanamo Bay detainees." The House passed the bill by a vote of 371 to 48. The bill was later turned into a continuing resolution. [House Vote 136, 3/8/17; Congressional Quarterly, 3/8/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1301]
2016: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2017 Defense Authorization Which Authorized Over $600 Billion In Funding. In December 2016, Schweikert voted for the FY 2017 defense authorization. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "authorize[d] $611.2 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2017, including $59.5 billion for overseas operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. It would authorize[d] $222.4 billion for operations and maintenance; $139.6 billion for military personnel; $7.9 billion for military construction and family housing; $10 billion for ballistic-missile defense; and $33.5 billion for defense health care programs, including $374 million from the overseas operations account. It would [have] prohibit[ed] the use of funds for a new round of base closures. The bill would [have] authorize[d] a 2.1 percent pay raise for military personnel. It would [have] elevate[d] U.S. Cyber Command to an independent major command within the Defense Department. It would [have] prohibit[ed] detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from being transferred to U.S. soil, and would [have] prohibit[ed] the closing of the main base and detention facility at Guantanamo. It would [have] extend[ed], through 2017, the authority for several bonus and special payments for military members." The vote was on the conference report. The House adopted the legislation by a vote of 375 to 34. The Senate later passed the legislation and was signed into law by the president. [House Vote 600, 12/2/16; Congressional Quarterly, 12/2/16; Congressional Actions, S. 2943]
2017: Schweikert Voted Against $5 Million In Military Construction Funds. In May 2016, Schweikert voted for an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "eliminate[d] the proposed $5 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funding for defense-wide military construction." The underlying legislation was an FY 2017 military construction and VA bill. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 64 to 360. [House Vote 220, 5/19/16; Congressional Quarterly, 5/19/16; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 1060; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4974]
2017: Schweikert Voted Against $88 Million In Air Force Military Construction Funds. In May 2016, Schweikert voted for an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "eliminate[d] the proposed $88 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funding for Air Force military construction." The underlying legislation was an FY 2017 military construction and VA bill. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 56 to 363. [House Vote 219, 5/19/16; Congressional Quarterly, 5/19/16; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 1059; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4974]
2017: Schweikert Voted Against $59 Billion In Navy Military Construction Funds. In May 2016, Schweikert voted for an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "eliminate[d] the proposed $59 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funds for Navy and Marine Corps military construction." The underlying legislation was an FY 2017 military construction and VA bill. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 51 to 371. [House Vote 218, 5/19/16; Congressional Quarterly, 5/19/16; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 1058; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4974]
2017: Schweikert Voted Against $19 Billion In Army Military Construction Funds. In May 2016, Schweikert voted for an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "eliminate[d] the proposed $19 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funds for Army military construction." The underlying legislation was an FY 2017 military construction and VA bill. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 52 to 372. [House Vote 217, 5/19/16; Congressional Quarterly, 5/19/16; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 1057; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4974]
2018: Schweikert Voted Against The $1.3 Trillion FY 2018 Omnibus Spending Deal Which Raised Spending By $138 Billion Over FY 2017 Levels, Including $80 Billion In Defense Spending. In March 2018, Schweikert voted against the FY 2018 Omnibus spending bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Combined, the spending measures would provide about $1.3 trillion in discretionary spending, with $1.2 trillion subject to discretionary spending caps, and $78.1 billion designated as Overseas Contingency Operations funds. The measure's spending levels are consistent with the increased defense and non-defense budget caps set by the two-year budget deal agreed to last month. That agreement increased the FY 2018 defense cap by $80 billion and the non-defense cap by $63 billion. Given that the previous caps were set to reduce overall discretionary spending by $5 billion, the net increase provided by the omnibus is $138 billion over the FY 2017 level." The vote was on the motion to concur in the Senate Amendment with an Amendment. The House agreed to the motion, thereby passing the bill, by a vote of 256 to 167. The Senate later agreed to the legislation, sending it to the president, who signed it into law. [House Vote 127, 3/22/18; Congressional Quarterly, 3/22/18; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1625]
2018: Schweikert Voted Against A February 2018 Two-Year Budget Deal Which, Among Other Things, Increased Spending By $300 Billion, Suspended The Debt Ceiling And Provided $90 Billion In Disaster Relief For The 2017 Hurricanes And Wildfires. In February 2018, Schweikert voted against a two-year budget deal that re-opened the government after a brief shutdown. According to the New York Times, "With Mr. Trump's signature, the government will reopen before many Americans were aware it had closed, with a deal that includes about $300 billion in additional funds over two years for military and nonmilitary programs, almost $90 billion in disaster relief in response to last year's hurricanes and wildfires, and a higher statutory debt ceiling." In addition, according to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation "would provide funding for federal government operations and services at current levels through March 23, 2018 [...] [and] retroactively extends numerous tax breaks that expired at the end of 2016. It also extends the CHIP program for another four years (through FY 2027) and funds community health centers for another two years." The vote was on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the bill. The House agreed to the motion, essentially on passage, by a vote of 240 to 186. The bill was then sent to the president, who signed it into law. [House Vote 69, 2/9/18; New York Times, 2/8/18; Congressional Quarterly, 2/9/18; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1892]
2017: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2018 Defense Authorization Conference Report, Which Authorized $692.1 Billion In Defense Spending For FY 2018, Including $65.7 Billion For Operations In Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria And The General War On Terror. In November 2017, Schweikert voted for the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization conference report. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would authorize $692.1 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2018, including $65.7 billion for overseas operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and for the general war on terror. It would authorize $241.2 billion for operations and maintenance; $146.2 billion for military personnel; 10.7 billion for military construction and family housing; $15 billion for ballistic-missile defense; and $33.9 billion for defense health care programs, including $396 million from the overseas operations account. It would prohibit the use of funds for a new round of base closures. It would authorize $8 billion for various cybersecurity programs, would require the president to develop a national policy for the United States related to cybersecurity and would withhold certain funds made available for White House staff until the president would submit such national policy to Congress. The bill would authorize a 2.4 percent pay raise for military personnel. It would prohibit detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from being transferred to U.S. soil, and would prohibit the closing of the main base and detention facility at Guantanamo. It would extend, through 2018, the authority for several bonus and special payments for military members." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 356 to 70. The Senate later adopted the bill by voice vote. President Trump later signed the bill into law. [House Vote 631, 11/14/17; Congressional Quarterly, 11/14/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2810]
The Bill Barred The Use Of Defense Spending For The Closure Of Military Bases. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would prohibit the use of funds for a new round of base closures." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/14/17]
The Bill Authorized $8 Billion For Several Cybersecurity Programs And Required The Trump Administration To Develop A National Cybersecurity Policy. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize $8 billion for various cybersecurity programs, would require the president to develop a national policy for the United States related to cybersecurity and would withhold certain funds made available for White House staff until the president would submit such national policy to Congress." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/14/17]
The Bill Authorized A 2.4% Salary Increase For Military Personnel. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill would authorize a 2.4 percent pay raise for military personnel." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/14/17]
The Bill Prohibited Guantanamo Bay Detainees From Being Transferred To U.S. Territory And Banned The Closing Of The Guantanamo Bay Facility. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would prohibit detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from being transferred to U.S. soil, and would prohibit the closing of the main base and detention facility at Guantanamo." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/14/17]
The Bill Extended Several Bonus And Special Payments For Military Members Through 2018. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would extend, through 2018, the authority for several bonus and special payments for military members." [Congressional Quarterly, 11/14/17]
2017: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2018 Defense Authorization, Which Increased Authorized Defense Funding By More Than $20 Billion Over What President Trump Requested. In July 2017, Schweikert voted for an FY 2018 NDAA. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have "authorize[d] $688.3 billion in discretionary funding for defense programs in fiscal 2018. The total would [have] include[d] $74.6 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations funds, of which $10 billion would be used for non-war, base defense budget needs; $239.7 billion for operations and maintenance; $10.2 billion for military construction; $142.9 billion for military personnel; and $33.9 billion for defense health care programs. It would [have] authorize[d] $12.5 billion for procurement of F-35 planes, research and development, as well as modifications to existing aircraft, and would [have] prohibit[d] the retirement of the A-10 bomber fleet. The bill would [have] require[d] the Defense Department to submit to Congress a report on vulnerabilities to military installations resulting from climate change over the next 20 years, and would [have] express[d] the sense of Congress that climate change is a 'direct threat' to U.S. national security. The bill would also [have] require[d] the Air Force to establish, by 2019, the Space Corps, a fighting force to improve the U.S. military's ability to address threats in space." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 344 to 81. A related version of the bill later became law. [House Vote 378, 7/14/17; Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2810]
2018: Schweikert Voted For An FY 2019 Conference Report Minibus Spending Bill And Continuing Resolution That Appropriated $855.1 Billion For The Defense Department. In September 2018, Schweikert voted for an FY 2019 Labor, HHS, Education, and Defense minibus spending bill conference report. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Adoption of the conference report on the bill that would provide $855.1 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2019 to various departments and agencies, including $674.4 billion for the Defense Department and $178.1 billion for the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education departments. The Defense Department total would include $606.5 billion in base Defense Department funding subject to spending caps, and would include $67.9 billion in overseas contingency operations funding. The bill would provide $90.3 billion in discretionary spending for the Health and Human Services Department, $71.4 billion for the Education Department and $12.1 billion for the Labor Department. The measure would also provide funding for federal government operations until Dec. 7, 2018, at an annualized rate of approximately $1.3 trillion." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 361 to 61. The president later signed the bill into law. [House Vote 405, 9/26/18; Congressional Quarterly, 9/26/18; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6157]
2018: Schweikert Voted For The Conference Report For The FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, Which Authorized $708.1 Billion In Defense Spending For FY 2019. In July 2018, Schweikert voted to adopt the conference report for the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $708.1 billion for defense-related programs, with $639.1 billion for the Defense Department's base budget, and $69 billion for overseas contingency operations. Specifically, it would authorize $65 million for the development of low-yield nuclear weapons. It would also authorize $18.8 billion for Navy aircraft procurement, $16.5 billion for Air Force aircraft, and $24.1 billion for Navy shipbuilding." The vote was on the adoption of a conference report. The House adopted the conference report by a vote of 359 to 54, thus the bill was sent to the Senate and the President, and ultimately became law. [House Vote 379, 7/26/18; Congressional Quarterly, 7/26/18; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5515]
2019: Schweikert Voted Against The FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill, Which Provided $659 Billion In Discretionary Spending For The Defense Department. In December 2019, Schweikert voted against the FY 2020 minibus appropriations bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the agreement appropriates a total of $695.1 in discretionary funding for the Defense Department for FY 2020 --- $19.5 billion (3%) more than the FY 2019 level, but $4.6 billion (0.5%) less than the president's request. The total includes $622.7 billion subject to caps, $70.7 billion in OCO funding, and $1.8 billion in emergency funding." The vote was a motion to concur in the Senate Amendment. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 280-138. The Senate then passed the bill and the President signed the bill into law. [House Vote 690, 12/17/19; Congressional Quarterly, 12/17/19; Congressional Actions, H.R.1158]
The FY 2020 Minibus Provided $40 Million To Establish A New, Sixth Armed Service For Space But Authorized $32 Million Less Than The Administration's Request. According to the Washington Post, "The defense bill dedicates $40 million to establish a new, sixth armed service [sic] for space, which was $32 million less than the administration's request. Even as Congress approved a sweeping defense policy bill this week that re-designates Air Force Space Command, it included language to prohibit any new billets, meaning the organization must be built with existing forces." [Washington Post, 12/19/19]
The FY 2020 Minibus Reauthorized The Export-Import Bank, Which Is Favored By The Aerospace And Defense Industry. According to Defense News, "The bill also reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank, an aerospace and defense industry priority. The bank, which assists in financing and facilitating U.S. exports of goods and services, is seen by industry as a tool to level the playing field with foreign competitors with better access to credit." [Defense News, 12/16/19]
2019: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In December 2019, Schweikert effectively voted for the FY 2020 NDAA. According to Congressional Quarterly, the bill would "would authorize, in total, $738 billion in discretionary defense spending, including $256.7 billion for Defense Department operations and maintenance, including operations in Afghanistan and Syria, $143 billion for weapons and other procurement, and $188 billion for personnel-related expenses." The vote was on adoption of the conference report to accompany the bill. The House adopted the conference report by a vote of 377-48. The bill was later passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President. [House Vote 672, 12/11/19; Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/19; Congressional Actions, S.1790]
The FY 2020 NDAA Established The Space Force Housed Within The Air Force, But Provided $32 Million Less Than Requested By The Trump Administration. According to Defense News, "The NDAA would redesignate Air Force Space Command as the new, sixth armed service, but it included language to prohibit any new billets, meaning the organization must be built with existing forces. Likewise, the defense appropriations bill would grant $32 million less than the administration's $72.4 million request." [Defense News, 12/17/19]
In Exchange For The Space Force, Democrats Included A Provision That Grants Federal Employees 12 Weeks Of Paid Parental Leave. According to The Hill, "The $738 billion bill [...] includes a high-profile deal that grants federal employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave in exchange for creating Trump's 'Space Force' [...] the tradeoff for paid parental leave --- and the large tab --- earned the defense policy bill backlash from fiscal conservatives in the Senate." [The Hill, 12/17/19]
The FY 2020 NDAA Only Provided $1.375 Billion For The Wall, $5.8 Billion Less Than Requested By President Trump. "Congress provided only 1.375 Billion for border barriers [...] The agreement does not authorize the $7.2 billion requested by the president for Army OCO military construction funding to build the border wall, half of which ($3.6 billion) would be to back-fill accounts where funds diverted for wall construction." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/17/19]
2019: Schweikert Voted Against The House FY 2020 NDAA That Provided $17 Billion Less Than Requested By The Administration, Denied Funding For A Border Wall, And Curbed President Trump's War Powers In Iran. In July 2019, Schweikert voted against the House FY 2020 NDAA that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $724.9 billion in discretionary defense spending, including $256 billion for Defense Department operations and maintenance, including operations in Afghanistan and Syria, $140.5 billion for weapons and other procurement, and $187.6 billion for personnel-related expenses. Within the total, the bill would authorize $69 billion for overseas contingency operations not subject to discretionary spending caps. The bill would authorize $22.7 billion for Energy Department defense-related activities, including for nuclear weapon programs and environmental restoration activities; $33 billion for the Defense health program; $11.5 billion for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure activities; and approximately $11 billion for missile defense programs." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 220-197. [House Vote 473, 7/12/19; Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/19; Congressional Actions, H.R.2500]
Republicans Opposed The House FY 2020 NDAA, Citing Restrictions On Nuclear Weapons and Guantanamo Bay And Because It Authorizes $17 Billion Less Than Republicans Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Republicans opposed the underlying bill before it reached the floor because it includes a prohibition on deploying lower-yield nuclear weapons, a ban on sending new prisoners to the Guantanamo Bay detention center and restrictions on how the Pentagon can transfer funds between its accounts. They also said its $733 billion in authorized spending, a full $17 billion less than Republicans desired, wasn't enough." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/19]
Democrats Included Two Amendments In The House FY 2020 NDAA Aimed At Curbing President Trump's War Powers With Regards To Iran. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House on Friday adopted a handful of progressive-sponsored amendments. One, from Armed Services Committee member and vice chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Ro Khanna of California, would block President Donald Trump from launching an unauthorized war with Iran. That amendment passed 251-170 shortly after Trump warned Iran over breaching uranium enrichment levels outlined in a pact with world powers. The United States withdrew from the deal [...] California Democrat Barbara Lee's amendment to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq that has been used to sanction U.S. military activity across the Middle East, was adopted 242-180." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/19]
Democrats Passed Amendments In The House FY 2020 NDAA To Challenge Trump Administration Policies, Such As Allowing Transgender People To Join The Military And Limiting The Transfer Of Arms To Saudi Arabia. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Earlier this week, the chamber approved amendments that would: allow transgender people to join the armed forces; block the Defense Department from spending money at Trump properties unless the president reimburses the government; limit the administration's ability to transfer arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates without approval from Congress; [and] ban support for and participation in the Saudi-led coalition's military actions in Yemen, and prohibit the president from holding military parades for political purposes." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/19]
The House FY 2020 NDAA Established The Space Corps As A Component Of The Air Force. The bill "would create a new military service to organize, train, equip, and operate space forces. The new service would be established in the Department of the Air Force, similar to how the Marine Corps is a component of the Department of the Navy [...] In total, CBO estimates the annual recurring costs and onetime costs of the new Space Corps would increase by about $3.6 billion over the 2020-2024 period." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/27/19]
The House FY 2020 NDAA Included A 3.1% Pay Increase For Members Of The Armed Services. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Among other provisions, the bill would authorize a 3.1 percent pay increase for members of the armed forces." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/19]
The House FY 2020 NDAA Provided 12 Weeks Of Paid Family Leave. According to Government Executive, "The House by voice vote also approved the inclusion of [...] [a] proposal to grant all federal workers with 12 weeks of paid family leave related to the birth, adoption or fostering of a child, or to help care for a child, parent or spouse with a serious health condition. That language also would provide 12 weeks to paid leave to feds if they themselves experience a serious health condition, or because of an 'urgent need' related to a spouse, child or parent's call to active duty in the armed forces." [Government Executive, 7/12/19]
The Hill: Senate "Republicans Say The House Amendments Are Non-Starters For Them In Bicameral Negotiations Over The Final Product." According to The Hill, "The House and Senate are headed for a fight over the annual defense policy bill after the House loaded its version with progressive priorities to get it through the chamber on Friday. Senate Republicans say the House amendments are non-starters for them in bicameral negotiations over the final product. It's unclear how hard Democrats will fight to keep the provisions, with Democratic House Armed Services Committee leaders saying the most important goal is to get a bill to the president's desk. That means liberal victories, such as amendments to block military action against Iran and reverse the transgender military ban, could be short-lived." [The Hill, 7/14/19]
2019: Schweikert Effectively Voted For Increasing Funding In The House FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) For The Military Pay Raise And Military Maintenance Accounts. In July 2019, Schweikert voted for the motion to recommit the House FY 2020 NDAA that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "report it back immediately with an amendment that would increase funds authorized by the bill for military department operations and maintenance by a total of more than $1.6 billion, including $606.5 million for the Army, $361.3 million for the Navy, $250.1 million for the Air Force, $155.4 million for the Army National Guard, and $125.3 million for the Air National Guard, and $83.3 million for the Marine Corps. It would increase by four percent monthly basic pay rates for members of the uniformed services, and increase by a total of more than $959 million funds authorized by the bill for military personnel." The vote was on a motion to recommit the bill. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 202-212. [House Vote 472, 7/12/19; Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/19; Congressional Actions, H.R.2500]
2020: Schweikert Voted Against Overriding President Trump's Veto Over The National Defense Authorization Act For FY2021. In December 2020, Schweikert voted against overriding President Trump's veto of the FY2021 defense authorization bill which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $731.6 billion in national defense spending, including $704.5 billion for the Defense Department and $26.6 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department. Within the total, it would authorize $69 billion for overseas contingency operations not subject to discretionary spending caps." The vote was on overriding a veto. The House overrode the veto by a vote of 322-87 and the bill became law. [House Vote 253, 12/28/20; Congressional Quarterly, 12/28/20; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6395]
President Trump Threatened To Veto The 2021 Defense Authorization Bill Over Language Requiring Renaming Confederate Military Bases And If The Bill Did Not Include Rescinding Legal Protections For Social Media Companies. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The rule also would provide for House consideration on Dec. 28, of a vote to override a possible presidential veto of the fiscal 2021 defense authorization (HR 6395). Both the House and the Senate passed the measure with veto-proof margins earlier in December. President Donald Trump has threatened to veto the legislation over language requiring the renaming of military bases that honor Confederates. He also said he would veto it if it didn't include a repeal of legal protections for social media companies found in Section 230 of a 1996 communications law (PL 104-104). The current liability shield protects companies like Facebook and Twitter from lawsuits." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/21/20]
President Trump Vetoed The National Defense Authorization Act Due To The Provision To Rename Confederate Military Bases, The Lack Of A Provision To Rescind Legal Liability Shields For Social Media Sites, And Legislative Language That Limits On How Many And How Quickly Troops May Be Withdrawn From Afghanistan And Germany. According to Congressional Quarterly, "President Donald Trump on Wednesday vetoed the fiscal 2021 defense authorization bill, making good on repeated vows to do so and setting the stage for an eleventh-hour override vote in Congress [...] Trump has taken issue with a provision that would rename military bases that honor Confederate generals and the lack of a provision that would deprive social media companies of their legal liability shields. The president also balked at language that would impose limits on how many troops can be withdrawn from Afghanistan and Germany --- and how quickly. 'Unfortunately, the Act fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military's history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions. It is a gift to China and Russia,' read a veto message released by the White House Wednesday." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/23/20]
2020: Schweikert Voted Against Agreeing To The Conference Report Of The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2021, Which Would Authorize $731.6 Billion In National Defense Spending And Grant $26.6 Billion To The Energy Department For National Security Programs. In December 2020, Schweikert voted against the conference report on the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $731.6 billion in national defense spending, including $704.5 billion for the Defense Department and $26.6 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department. Within the total, it would authorize $69 billion for overseas contingency operations not subject to discretionary spending caps. The bill would authorize approximately $142.1 billion for weapons and other procurement, including $5.5 billion for overseas contingency operations, $12 billion for F-35 series joint strike fighter aircraft procurement, and $23.4 billion for shipbuilding. It would authorize $8.1 billion for military construction. It would authorize $2.2 billion in fiscal 2021 for the Defense Department to carry out a new Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture, build allied military capabilities, and improve infrastructure and asset positioning in the Indo-Pacific region. It would authorize a 3 percent military pay increase and expand protections for victims of sexual assault in the armed services. It would require the Defense Department to remove from its assets, within three years of enactment, all names or monuments commemorating the Confederacy or individuals who served with it. It would also require the Defense Department to maintain a 30-day supply of personal protective equipment sufficient for all members of the armed forces; include in its annual budget materials a plan for research and development of vaccines and treatments for infectious diseases; and establish a panel to review the military health system's response to COVID-19. Within Energy Department funding, it would authorize $19.7 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, primarily for maintenance of a nuclear weapons stockpile, and require the Energy Department to include adequate funding levels suggested by the Nuclear Weapons Council in an appendix to its budget request if the council finds the proposed request inadequate. Through fiscal 2025, it would authorize $1.2 billion for the Energy Department and $4.8 billion for the National Science Foundation to conduct artificial intelligence research, and it would create a National Artificial Intelligence Initiative within the Office of Science and Technology Policy. For international assistance and cooperation, the bill would authorize $4 billion for the Afghan security forces; $250 million in security assistance to Ukraine; $360 million for a cooperative threat reduction program assisting former Soviet Union countries, including $225 million for biological threat reduction; and $3.3 billion annually through fiscal 2028 for security assistance to Israel. It would place limits on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Korea, Germany and Afghanistan. Among other provisions, it would require the Defense Department to notify Congress on steps taken to mitigate 5G and 6G security risks posed by at-risk vendors, including Chinese-owned companies Huawei and ZTE, when basing forces or a major weapons system overseas. It would establish an Office of the National Cyber Director to advise the president on cybersecurity policy and include a number of provisions to assess and address cybersecurity risks within Defense and Homeland Security department operations. It would include measures to increase corporate reporting requirements to address money laundering and terrorist financing." The vote was on agreeing to the conference report. The House adopted the conference report and sent it to the Senate by a vote of 335-78 but was vetoed by President Trump. [House Vote 238, 12/8/20; Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/20; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6395]
2020: Schweikert Voted To Close Certain Portions Of The Conference Between Both Chambers On The Fiscal 2021 Defense Authorization Bill To The Public. In November 2020, Schweikert voted for a motion to close conference on the 2021 Fiscal Defense Authorization bill which, according to Congressional Quarterly, was "a motion that certain portions of the conference between the House and Senate on the fiscal 2021 defense authorization bill (HR 6395) be closed to the public at such times as classified national security information may be discussed." The vote was on a motion to close conference. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 396-8. [House Vote 222, 11/18/20; Congressional Quarterly, 11/18/20; Congressional Actions, H.R 6395]
2020: Schweikert Voted Against The $730 Billion House FY 2021 NDAA That, Amongst Other Provisions, Required The Military To Rename Bases Named After Confederate Officers. In July 2020, Schweikert voted against the House FY 2021 NDAA that would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $731.6 billion in national defense spending, including $704.5 billion for the Defense Department and $26.6 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department. Within the total, it would authorize $69 billion for overseas contingency operations not subject to discretionary spending caps. The bill would authorize approximately $138.3 billion for weapons and other procurement, including $5.5 billion for overseas contingency operations, $7.4 billion for F-35 series joint strike fighter aircraft procurement, and $22.3 billion for shipbuilding. It would authorize $8.2 billion for military construction. It would authorize $3.6 billion in fiscal 2021 for the Defense Department to carry out a new Indo-Pacific Reassurance Initiative to optimize the presence of U.S. forces, build allied military capabilities, and improve infrastructure and asset positioning in the region. Among other provisions, the bill would authorize a 3 percent pay increase for members of the armed forces; authorize $1 billion to establish a Defense Department pandemic preparedness national security fund, primarily to fund biopreparedness research; and require the Defense Department to prohibit the public display of the Confederate battle flag on department property and rename any assets named after leaders of the Confederacy or any armed rebellion against the United States." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 295-125. [House Vote 152, 7/21/20; Congressional Quarterly, 7/21/20; Congressional Actions, H.R.6395]
President Trump Threatened To Veto The Bill Over The Provision That Required The Military To Rename Bases Named After Confederate Officers. According to Congressional Quarterly, "President Trump has publicly threatened to veto the measure, which has been enacted annually for the past 59 consecutive years, if the final version of the bill requires the military to rename bases that honor Confederate officers [...] Just before the House voted on passage, the Office of Management and Budget released a Statement of Administration Policy listing 33 provisions the White House 'strongly objects to.'" [Congressional Quarterly, 7/21/20]
The White House Opposed Other Provisions In The Bill, Including A Measure Meant To Prevent The Administration From Using Military Construction Funds For The Border Wall. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The White House's list of concerns include a provision that would place limits on the Defense Department's ability to approve emergency military construction projects, a nod to the battle over the administration's use of military construction money to pay for the contentious border wall. The administration also opposes language that would grant the mayor of Washington greater authority over the District of Columbia National guard, an issue that arose during the recent nationwide rpotests, and another that would limit the use of funds for the removal of troops from Afghanistan." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/21/20]
The Bill Included Two Amendments Expanding Federal Land Protections. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House did approve two land-related amendments to the defense bill offered by Democrats. An amendment from Joe Neguse, D-Colo., would insert language from two bills [...] to prohibit new mining in parts of Colorado and near the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It would also expand federal authority over certain areas of Colorado. Another amendment from Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., would [...] designate 1.4 million acres in California, Colorado, and Washington as wilderness areas, and more than 1,200 river miles in California and Washington as wild or scenic." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/21/20]
The FY 2021 NDAA Banned TikTok On Government Issued Phones. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the House also adopted an amendment that would require the FBI to report to Congress on the extent of domestic terrorism threats [...] Yet another amendment approved by the House would ban federal employees from downloading the Chinese, video-focused social media app TikTok on government issued devices." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/21/20]
The FY 2021 NDAA Provided $1 Billion To The Pentagon For Pandemic Preparedness Amid COVID. According to the Hill, "The massive $740.5 billion defense bill covers everything from authorizing a 3 percent pay raise for troops to establishing a $3.6 billion fund to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region to setting aside $1 billion to help the Pentagon with pandemic preparedness amid the coronavirus crisis.' [The Hill, 7/21/20]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing The National Defense Budget Of $768.1 Billion, Including $740 Million To The Defense Department And $28.2 Billion To The Energy Department For National Security Programs. In December 2021, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $768.1 billion in national defense spending, including $740 billion for the Defense Department and $28.2 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 363-70. The bill was sent to President Biden and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 405, 12/7/21; Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21; Congressional Actions, S. 1605]
The FY 2022 Defense Authorization Act Would Authorize Programs And Spending Instructions For The Pentagon And National Security Programs, Including Military Prosecution Changes, More Foreign Aid To Ukraine And An Increase Of Pay To Military Members. According to CBS News, "The House on Tuesday night approved the 2022 annual defense bill, which authorizes programs and spending guidelines for the Pentagon and other national security programs, includes changes to military prosecutions, more money for Ukraine and a pay raise for service members." [CBS News, 12/8/21]
The Bill Would Authorize $25 Billion More In Defense Spending Than What President Biden Had Initially Requested For The Pentagon's Budget. According to CBS News, "This year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes a topline funding of $768 billion for defense and national security with $740 billion designated for the Department of Defense --- which was $25 billion more for the Pentagon than President Biden had requested" [CBS News, 12/8/21].]
The Bill Would Provide Funding To Track UFOs, Address Havana Syndrome And Establish A Commission To Analyze The Afghanistan War. According to CBS News, "Several new organizational bodies are budgeted in this year's NDAA, including a joint office to track unidentified aerial phenomena, or UFOs, a Pentagon 'cross functional team' to confront Havana Syndrome and an independent Afghanistan Commission to study the 20-year war." [CBS News, 12/8/21]
The House Removed Provisions That Would Require Women To Register For The Draft, Repeal The Iraq War Authorization Of 2002 And Impose Sanctions Related To The Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. According to The New York Times, "The House on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a $768 billion defense policy bill after lawmakers abruptly dropped proposals that would have required women to register for the draft, repealed the 2002 authorization of the Iraq war and imposed sanctions for a Russian gas pipeline, in a late-year drive to salvage a bipartisan priority." [The New York Times, 12/7/21]
Many Progressives Were Disappointed In The Increase Of Defense Spending After They Hoped Democratic Control Of Congress And The White House Would Champion Cuts To Military Spending. According to The New York Times, "The legislation, unveiled hours before the vote, put the Democratic-led Congress on track to increase the Pentagon's budget by roughly $24 billion above what President Biden had requested, angering antiwar progressives who had hoped that their party's control of the White House and both houses of Congress would lead to cuts to military programs after decades of growth." [The New York Times, 12/7/21]
President Biden Pledged To Counter Military Threats With Technology And Cybersecurity Competition, Not Through Troop Deployments On Ground Wars. According to The New York Times, "On the heels of winding down the nation's 20-year war in Afghanistan, Mr. Biden declared the end of an era defined by ground wars with large troop deployments and pledged that the United States instead would counter threats through military technology and cybersecurity competition." [The New York Times, 12/7/21]
Many Policymakers Called For An Increase In Defense Spending Due To New Russian And Chinese Threats. According to The New York Times, "But citing new threats from Russia and China, lawmakers rejected the president's request to keep military spending essentially flat, and instead overwhelmingly called for increasing it substantially." [The New York Times, 12/7/21]
Republicans Added A Provision To The Bill That Would Require Service Members That Decline To Comply With The COVID Vaccine Mandate To Receive An Honorable Discharge. According to The Hill, "Republicans also hailed provisions of the bill that address the Pentagon's vaccine mandate by including a provision mandating that any service member who declines to receive the COVID-19 vaccine only receive an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions." [The Hill, 12/7/21]
The Bill Removed A Provision That Would Establish An Office For Countering Extremism In The Pentagon. According to The Hill, "The compromise also leaves out legislation that would have an Office for Countering Extremism in the Pentagon. That provision was included in the NDAA the House passed in September." [The Hill, 12/7/21]
Many Lawmakers Claimed That The Failure To Pass This Year's Defense Spending Would Hinder The Pentagon's Modernization Efforts As China Grows Their Military Power. According to Defense News, "The bill has been passed 60 years in a row, and defense lawmakers warned that failing to clear the bill this year would stymy Pentagon modernization efforts in the face of China's growing military might." [Defense News, 12/7/21]
The Bill Would Prohibit States From Using Private Funding To Deploy The National Guard To Other States, With An Exemption To Responding To Natural Disasters. According to Politico, "The deal also blocks states from using private funding for National Guard deployments to other states, aside from natural disaster response. The change comes after South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem accepted a private donation to fund a deployment of Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas this year." [Politico, 12/7/21]
The House Removed Provisions That Would Limit Foreign Aid To Saudi Arabia Due To Human Rights Violations And Ban Arms Sales To The Saudi Government That Murdered Jamal Khashoggi. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Armed Services Committee leaders stripped from this year's defense authorization bill every provision their colleagues had included to limit U.S. aid to Saudi Arabia over human rights concerns, even a proposed ban on selling weapons to the Saudi government unit whose members killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The provisions at issue were passed by the House or Senate Armed Services Committee in their versions of the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (HR4350, S2792) but left out of the final bill (S1605) that was negotiated by the leaders behind closed doors." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/21]
One Of The Stripped Provisions Would Prohibit Funding For An Arms Sale Or Transfer To The Rapid Intervention Force, In Which Seven Members Were On The Same Group That Murdered Khashoggi. According to Congressional Quarterly, "One of the House-approved measures would have barred funding for the sale or transfer of certain weapons --- including handcuffs, tasers or any sort of military training --- to the Rapid Intervention Force, also known as the 'Tiger Squad.' Seven members of that force were on the team that killed and dismembered Khashoggi, who was a Washington Post columnist, in a diplomatic facility in Turkey in 2018, according to a declassified U.S. intelligence report made public earlier this year." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/21]
One Of The Stripped Provisions Would Sanction Khashoggi's Killers By Prohibiting Them From Obtaining U.S. Visas. According to Congressional Quarterly, "A second provision removed without explanation set forth sanctions for Khashoggi's killers. That section, which was part of the House-passed bill, would have prohibited the 21 individuals who helped kill Khashoggi from getting or keeping U.S. visas. And it would have required a State Department report to Congress on any entity controlled in whole or in part by one of the suspects. Now no such restrictions are in the offing." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/21]
Two Provisions Were Stripped From The Bill That Would Restrict Support To Saudi Against Houthi Rebels In Yemen. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Two sections removed from the NDAA would have restricted U.S. support for Saudi military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/21]
Representative Mike Gallagher Of Wisconsin Championed A Provision That Would Extend The Waiting Period For A Former Military Officer To Serve As Secretary Of Defense To 10 Years. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The compromise NDAA includes a provision, authored by Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallagher, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and former Marine Corps captain, that would extend the 'cooling-off period' for former military officers to serve as Defense secretary from seven years to 10." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21]
The Bill Would Extend The Waiting Period For Former Military Officers To Serve As Service Secretaries To Seven Years. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill also would extend the cooling-off period for former military officers to serve as a service secretary from five years to seven." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $146.9 Billion To Purchase Weapons, $27.3 Billion To Build Ships And Supporting The Attainment Of 85 Aircrafts. In December 2021, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize approximately $146.9 billion for weapons and other procurement; $27.3 billion for shipbuilding; and funding to support the procurement of 85 F-35 series tactical force aircraft." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 363-70. The bill was sent to President Biden and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 405, 12/7/21; Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21; Congressional Actions, S. 1605]
The Bill Would Prohibit The Purchase Of Items Produced In The Xinjiang Region Of China By Forced Labor. According to The New York Times, "In its final form, the legislation would authorize a 2.7 percent pay increase for the nation's military, call for an independent commission to scrutinize the war in Afghanistan, and prohibit the Pentagon from procuring items produced with forced labor from the Xinjiang region of China, where as many as one million Uyghurs have been detained in work camps." [The New York Times, 12/7/21]
The Bill Would Procure More Aircrafts, Ships And Weapons Than Requested, Including 12 Unrequested Super Hornets, Five Additional Boeing Jets To The Requested 17, And Five More Ships To The Requested Eight. According to Defense News, "Under the bill's higher top line are 12 F/A-18 Super Hornets that were not requested; five more Boeing F-15EX jets than the request for 17 total; and 13 ships total ― including two attack submarines and two destroyers ― for five more than the request." [Defense News, 12/7/21]
Many Lawmakers Argued That The Bill Would Help The Pentagon Replace Old Weapons And Invest In New Technologies To Counter China And Russia. According to Politico, "On the House floor ahead of the vote, lawmakers in both parties touted the legislation as a step forward in shifting the military toward a focus on China and Russia by helping the Pentagon shed aging weapons and invest in new technologies." [Politico, 12/7/21]
The Bill Would Approve The Purchase Of 13 New Navy Ships. According to Politico, "The final bill approves a shipbuilding budget that would buy 13 new Navy ships, five more than the Pentagon requested." [Politico, 12/7/21]
Lawmakers Authorized The Procurement Of The Pentagon-Requested 85 F-35 Fighters. According to Politico, "Negotiators also agreed to procure 85 F-35 fighters, matching the Pentagon's request." [Politico, 12/7/21]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $310 Million For A Hypersonic Defense System And $75 Million To Establish A New Homeland Defense Radar In Hawaii. In December 2021, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $310 million for a hypersonic defense system and $75 million for the development of a new homeland defense radar in Hawaii." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 363-70. The bill was sent to President Biden and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 405, 12/7/21; Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21; Congressional Actions, S. 1605]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $20.3 Billion To Maintain Stockpile Of Nuclear Weapons. In December 2021, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $20.3 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, primarily for the maintenance of a nuclear weapons stockpile." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 363-70. The bill was sent to President Biden and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 405, 12/7/21; Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21; Congressional Actions, S. 1605]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $7.1 Billion To The Pacific Deterrence Initiative And $4 Billion To Counter Chinese And Russian Aggression Through The European Deterrence Initiative. In December 2021, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $7.1 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $4 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, primarily intended to counter aggression by China and Russia, respectively." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 363-70. The bill was sent to President Biden and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 405, 12/7/21; Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21; Congressional Actions, S. 1605]
The Bill Would Provide $7.1 Billion For The Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative To Counter China After The Pentagon Constantly Called China The Defense's "Pacing Challenge." According to CBS News, "To deter China, the bill includes $7.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative. The Pentagon has repeatedly called China the 'pacing challenge' for the Department of Defense." [CBS News, 12/8/21]
The Bill Instructs The President To Implement A "Grand Strategy With Respect To China." According to CNN, "The bill directs the President to develop a classified 'Grand Strategy with Respect to China,' with an unclassified summary, the bill text states." [CNN, 12/8/21]
The Bill Instructs The Defense Department To Report On China's Activities, Including Military And Security Developments, Technology Updates To Their Military Equipment And Foreign Strategy In Latin America And The Caribbean. According to CNN, "It also directs DoD put together several reports on China's activities, from their military and security developments, modernization technologies for their military applications, to their strategy in Latin American and the Caribbean, the bill states." [CNN, 12/8/21]
2021: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The FY 2022 Defense Authorization Act. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "adoption of the rule (H Res 838) that would provide for floor consideration of a legislative vehicle for the fiscal 2022 defense authorization bill (S 1605) [...] The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate on each bill." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 219-213. [House Vote 403, 12/7/21; Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21; Congressional Actions, S. 1605; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 838]
2021: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The FY 2022 Defense Authorization Act. In December 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 838) that would provide for floor consideration of a legislative vehicle for the fiscal 2022 defense authorization bill (S 1605) [...] The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate on each bill." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 218-210. [House Vote 402, 12/7/21; Congressional Quarterly, 12/7/21; Congressional Actions, S. 1605; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 838]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against The National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2022 That Would Authorize $768.1 Billion In Defense Spending. In September 2021, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $768.1 billion in national defense spending, including $739.8 billion for the Defense Department and $28.2 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department. The bill would authorize approximately $147.1 billion for weapons and other procurement, $11.7 billion for F-35 series tactical force aircraft procurement and maintenance and $28.4 billion for shipbuilding. It would authorize $310 million for a hypersonic defense system and $75 million for the development of a new homeland defense radar in Hawaii. Within Energy Department funding, it would authorize $20.3 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, primarily for the maintenance of a nuclear weapons stockpile. It would authorize $36.8 billion for the Defense Health Program, including $10 million for a global emerging infectious surveillance program. It would authorize $13.4 billion for military construction. It would authorize a 2.7 percent military pay increase; remove military commanders from decisions related to the prosecution of sexual assault and other special victim crimes; establish a Countering Extremism Office within the Defense Department tasked with countering extremism in the armed forces; and establish a $15 minimum wage for certain department contractors. It would give the mayor of the District of Columbia authority over its National Guard and establish a Space National Guard. It would authorize the president's requests of $5.1 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $3.7 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, primarily intended to counter aggression by China and Russia, respectively. It would codify the position of assistant secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. It would establish a commission to examine the war in Afghanistan and 2021 withdrawal; authorize $500 million for Defense Department relocation assistance for Afghan evacuees; and require the department to submit a security assessment and a number of reports related to Afghanistan. For international assistance and cooperation, the bill would authorize $470 million for cooperative programs with Israel; $345 million for a cooperative threat reduction program assisting former Soviet Union countries; $325 million for the Afghan security forces; and $300 million in security assistance to Ukraine. Among other provisions, the bill would authorize over $1 billion in cybersecurity investments and over $1 billion for artificial intelligence-related initiatives, and require the Homeland Security Department to establish an information collaboration environment to share intelligence and data on cybersecurity risks and threats. It would authorize $9 million for applied research on neuroprotection from brain injury; eliminate restrictions on transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay; and prohibit federal banking regulators from penalizing financial service institutions for serving state-legal marijuana-related businesses." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 316-113. [House Vote 293, 9/23/21; Congressional Quarterly, 9/23/21; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4350]
The FY 2022 National Defense Appropriations Would Direct Changes To Handling Vehicle Safety By Requiring The Pentagon To Implement Recommendations, Create A Department-Wide "Safety Council," And Change The Administration Of "Vehicle Accident Investigations." According to Congressional Quarterly, "The defense policy bill the House passed last week would make sweeping changes to how the Defense Department handles vehicle safety. Included in the mammoth, $768 billion fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (HR 4350) are four provisions and one amendment that would direct the Pentagon to implement changes recommended by Congress, create a DOD-wide safety council and change the way the department handles vehicle accident investigations." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/21]
The Measure Would Provide Appropriations To Aid Africa, Including $72 Million For Army Programs And $52 Million For Security Cooperation Programs. According to Congressional Quarterly, "appropriators subsequently added $72 million for Army programs in Africa and $52 million for security cooperation programs in U.S. Africa Command." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/21]
The Measure Would Provide A Basic Needs Allowance To Help Military Members By Instructing That "One Servicemember Per Family Receive An Allowance Equal To The Difference Between The Servicemember's Salary And 130 Percent Of The Poverty Line For That Member's Region And Family Size." According to Congressional Quarterly, "The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House (HR 4350) last week, as well as the version (S 2792) awaiting a Senate vote, would require that one servicemember per family receive an allowance equal to the difference between the servicemember's salary and 130 percent of the poverty line for that member's region and family size." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/29/21]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against An Amendment That Would Reduce Defense Spending By $23.96 Billion For FY 2022 And Transfer No Less Than $1.6 Billion To The Treasury General Fund. In September 2021, Schweikert voted against an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "reduce amounts authorized for defense spending in fiscal 2022 by $23.96 billion and require the Defense Department to transfer, from amounts made available for fiscal 2022, no less than $1.6 billion to the general fund of the Treasury." The vote was on adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 142-286. [House Vote 285, 9/23/21; Congressional Quarterly, 9/23/21; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 120; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4350]
2021: Schweikert Voted Against An Amendment That Would Reduce Defense Spending By 10 Percent, With Exceptions To Military Personnel, Federal Civilian Workforce, And Health Program Accounts Funding. In September 2021, Schweikert voted against an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "reduce the overall funding authorization level by 10 percent, other than funding for military personnel, the Defense Department federal civilian workforce, and defense health program accounts." The vote was on adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 86-332. [House Vote 284, 9/23/21; Congressional Quarterly, 9/23/21; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 119; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4350]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against The FY 2023 Omnibus Spending Package, Which Provided $797.7 Billion For The Department Of Defense. In December 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against concurring with the Senate amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which would "provide approximately $25.5 billion for the Agriculture Department and related agencies; $82.4 billion for the Commerce and Justice departments and science and related agencies; $797.7 billion for the Defense Department; $54 billion for the Energy Department and federal water projects; $27.6 billion for the Treasury Department, federal judiciary and a number of executive agencies; $60.7 billion for the Homeland Security Department; $38.9 billion for the Interior Department, EPA and related agencies; $207.4 billion for the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education departments and related agencies; $6.9 billion for legislative branch entities; $154.2 billion for the Veterans Affairs Department, military construction, and related agencies; $59.7 billion for the State Department and related agencies; and $87.3 billion for the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development departments and related agencies." The vote was on a motion to concur. The House concurred with the Senate amendment by a vote of 225-201, thus bill was sent to President Biden and ultimately became law. [House Vote 549, 12/23/22; Congressional Quarterly, 12/23/22; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 6552; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2617]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against The Defense Authorization Act For FY 2023, Which Authorized $847.3 Billion In National Defense Spending, Including $816.7 Billion For The Department Of Defense And $30.3 Billion For National Security Programs In The Energy Department. In December 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would, in part, "authorize $847.3 billion in national defense spending, including $816.7 billion for the Defense Department and $30.3 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department, along with a range of defense and nondefense policy provisions. It would authorize approximately $163.1 billion for weapons and other procurement and $138.9 billion for military research and development. Within these totals, it would authorize $32.6 billion for shipbuilding; funding for the procurement of 69 new F-35 series tactical force aircraft; $3.6 billion for the new Ground Based Strategic Deterrent missile system; and over $20 billion for missile defense programs, including $518 million for a hypersonic missile defense system, $398 million for Guam missile defense systems and $160 million for Israeli missile defense systems." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 350-80, thus the bill was sent to the Senate for final concurrence. The Senate concurred with the House, sent the final bill to President Biden, and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 516, 12/8/22; Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1512; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7776]
The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Authorized $22.3 Billion For The National Nuclear Security Administration. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Within Energy Department funding, it would authorize $22.3 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, primarily for the maintenance of a nuclear weapons stockpile." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Authorized $36.9 Billion For The Defense Health Program And $19.5 Billion For Military Construction. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize $36.9 billion for the Defense Health Program and $19.5 billion for military construction." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
To Counter Chinese And Russian Aggression, The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Authorized $11.54 Billion For The Pacific Deterrence And $6 Billion For The European Deterrence Initiative. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize more than $11.5 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, primarily intended to counter aggression by China and Russia, respectively." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Authorized $10 Billion For Military Grants To Taiwan For Five Years, $800 Million To Support Ukraine, $503 Million To Combat The Islamic State Group In Syria And Iraq, $446 Million For The U.S. Africa Command, $354 Million To Assist Former Soviet Union Nations, And $400 Million For Research And Development With Israel. According to Congressional Quarterly, "For international assistance and cooperation, it would authorize up to $10 billion for military grants to Taiwan over five years; $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine; $503 million for forces in Syria and Iraq combating the Islamic State group; $446 million for the U.S. Africa Command; $354 million for a cooperative threat reduction program assisting former Soviet Union countries; and $300 million for cooperative research and development programs with Israel." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Authorized $1.2 Billion For The Defense Department's Environmental Restoration Fund And Instruct Military Environmental Clean Up Activities. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Among other defense policy provisions, it would authorize $1.2 billion for the Defense Department environmental restoration fund and require various military environmental cleanup activities;" [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Established A Defense Department Center To Evaluate And Address Civilian Harm That Resulted From American Military Force And Established A Fellowship Specialized On Irregular Warfare. According to Congressional Quarterly, "establish a DOD center to study and address civilian harm resulting from U.S. use of military force and a center and fellowship focused on irregular warfare;" [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Authorized $28.1 Billion For The Coast Guard And Reauthorized Several Programs At The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize $28.1 billion for the Coast Guard; reauthorize a range of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration programs;" [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill Reauthorized State Department Activities And Made Several Organizational And Personnel Changes. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would reauthorize State Department activities and make a number of organizational and personnel changes at the department." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22]
With The FY 2023 Defense Spending Bill, Congress Will Have Authorized $858 Billion In Defense Spending For FY 2023, Which Was 5%, Or $45 Billion, More Than What The Biden Administration Requested. According to Congressional Quarterly, "With enactment of the bill, Washington will have authorized spending about $858 billion on defense programs in this fiscal year, mostly at the Pentagon. That is $45 billion, or 5 percent, more than Biden asked for in March." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/15/22]
According To The Congressional Budget Office, The Total Amount Of Defense Spending Authorized Was 10% Higher Than The FY 2022 Level. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The total amount of authorized funding would be about 10 percent higher than the fiscal 2022 level, according to the Congressional Budget Office." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/15/22]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $839.3 Billion In National Defense Spending For FY 2023, Including $808.4 Billion For The Defense Department And $30.5 Billion For The Energy Department's National Security Programs. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would "authorize $839.3 billion in national defense spending, including $808.4 billion for the Defense Department and $30.5 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote 329-101, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. The Senate did not take substantive action on the legislation. The FY 2023 Defense Authorization was passed with H.R. 7776. [House Vote 350, 7/14/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7900]
The Bill Would Authorize $160.2 Billion For The Procurement Of Weapons And $138.6 Billion For Military Research And Development. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill would authorize approximately $160.2 billion for weapons and other procurement and $138.6 billion for military research and development." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22]
Within The Total Funds To The Defense Department, The Money Would Be Used For Shipbuilding, Procurement Of Aircraft, The New Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Missile System, And Missile Defense Programs, Including A Hypersonic Missile System, Guam Missile Defense Systems, And Israeli Missile Defense Systems. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Within these totals, it would authorize $32.7 billion for shipbuilding; funding for the procurement of 64 new F-35 series tactical force aircraft; $3.6 billion for the new Ground Based Strategic Deterrent missile system; and approximately $21 billion for missile defense programs, including $543 million for a hypersonic missile defense system, $398 million for Guam missile defense systems and $180 million for Israeli missile defense systems." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22]
Within The Total Funds To The Energy Department, $22.1 Billion Would Be Authorized For The National Nuclear Security Administration For Nuclear Weapon Stockpile Maintenance. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Within Energy Department funding, it would authorize $22.1 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, primarily for the maintenance of a nuclear weapons stockpile." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22]
The Bill Would Authorize $37.1 Billion For The Defense Health Program And $16.5 For Military Construction. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize $37.1 billion for the Defense Health Program and $16.5 billion for military construction." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22]
The Bill Would Create A Commission And Defenses Department Center To Analyze And Address Civilian Harm Caused By The Use Of Force By The U.S. Military. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would establish a commission and Defense Department center to study and address civilian harm resulting from or incidental to the use of force by U.S. armed forces." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22]
The Bill Included Several Provisions That Would Support Cybersecurity And Artificial Intelligence At The Department Of Defense. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would include various provisions to support cybersecurity and artificial intelligence initiatives at the Defense Department." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing Over $6 Billion For The Pacific Deterrence Initiative And $4 Billion For The European Deterrence Initiative, Which Primarily Counters Chinese And Russian Aggression. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would "authorize more than $6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $4 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, primarily intended to counter aggression by China and Russia, respectively." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote 329-101, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. The Senate did not take substantive action on the legislation. The FY 2023 Defense Authorization was passed with H.R. 7776. [House Vote 350, 7/14/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7900]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $1 Billion To Ukraine For Security Assistance, $544 Billion For The U.S. Africa Command, $542 Million For Syrian And Iraqi Forces Combatting The Islamic State, $342 For A Cooperative Threat Reduction Program Helping Former Soviet Countries, $300 Million For Cooperative Research And Development Programs With Israel, And $225 Million For The Baltic Security Initiative. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which "For international assistance and cooperation, it would authorize $1 billion in security assistance to Ukraine; $544 million for the U.S. Africa Command; $542 million for forces in Syria and Iraq combating the Islamic State; $342 million for a cooperative threat reduction program assisting former Soviet Union countries; $300 million for cooperative research and development programs with Israel; and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote 329-101, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. The Senate did not take substantive action on the legislation. The FY 2023 Defense Authorization was passed with H.R. 7776. [House Vote 350, 7/14/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7900]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Reduced Defense Spending FY 2023 By $36.987 Billion To Reduce The Increases Made To President Biden's Defense Spending Request For FY 2023. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would "reduce the bill's authorization by $36.987 billion to reverse increases made at the House Armed Services Committee markup above the president's fiscal 2023 request and restoring the fiscal 2023 topline to the amount requested by the president." The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote 151-277. [House Vote 317, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 254; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7900]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Reduced Defense Spending FY 2023 To FY 2022 Levels And Reduced An Additional $100 Billion, While Maintaining Funding For Military Personnel, Civilian Pay And Benefits, And Defense Health Program At FY 2022 Levels. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would "reduce the bill's topline authorization to be the aggregate amount provided in the fiscal 2022 defense authorization bill reduced by $100 billion, while specifying that funding for military personnel, civilian pay and benefits, and the Defense Health Program would remain at fiscal 2022 amounts." The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote 78-350. [House Vote 316, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 253; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7900]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2023. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "adoption of the rule (H Res 1224) that would provide for House consideration of the Active Shooter Alert Act (HR 6538), the veterans' toxic exposure benefits bill (S 3373), the fiscal 2023 defense authorization bill (HR 7900), the Women's Health Protection Act (HR 8296), and the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act (HR 8297)." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote 217-204. [House Vote 304, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7900; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1224]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The National Defense Authorization Act For FY 2023. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 1224) that would provide for House consideration of the Active Shooter Alert Act (HR 6538), the veterans' toxic exposure benefits bill (S 3373), the fiscal 2023 defense authorization bill (HR 7900), the Women's Health Protection Act (HR 8296), and the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act (HR 8297)." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote 218-208. [House Vote 303, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7900; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1224]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against Agreeing To The Conference Report Of The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2024, Which Would Authorize $874.2 Billion In National Defense Spending And Grant $32.4 Billion To The Energy Department For National Security Programs. In December 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "motion to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report to accompany the bill that would authorize $874.2 billion in discretionary national defense spending, including $841.5 billion for the Defense Department and $32.4 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department. It would also provide $23.2 billion in mandatory defense spending. The bill would authorize approximately $169.2 billion for weapons and other procurement and $145.9 billion for military research and development. Within these totals, it would authorize $32.9 billion for Navy shipbuilding and conversion; $19.6 billion for Air Force aircraft procurement; $18 billion for Navy aircraft procurement; $539 million for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ballistic missile system; $564 million for the Missile Defense Agency; and $382 million for the hypersonic attack cruise missile. It would authorize $545 million for continued development of Guam missile defense systems, $80 million for procurement for the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system and $4.2 billion for Space Force procurement. Within Energy Department funding, it would authorize $24 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, primarily for the maintenance of a nuclear weapons stockpile. It would authorize $38.3 billion for the Defense Health Program and $18.2 billion for military construction. It would authorize $14.7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $3.6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, primarily intended to counter aggression by China and Russia, respectively. For international assistance and cooperation, it would authorize $300 million in security assistance to Ukraine; $409 million for the U.S. European Command, $565 million for the U.S. Africa Command; $398 million for forces in Syria and Iraq combating the Islamic State group; $351 million for the Cooperative Threat Reduction program assisting former Soviet Union countries; and $300 million for cooperative research and development programs with Israel. The bill would authorize a 5.2 percent military pay increase. It would authorize $7 billion for the Energy Department environmental restoration fund and require the department to undertake various environmental cleanup activities. Among its policy provisions, it would temporarily extend, through April 19, 2024, provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that allow the U.S. government to collect communications on foreigners outside the U.S.; implement a personnel grade cap of GS-10 for diversity, equity and inclusion positions within the Defense Department; prohibit the creation of new DEI positions in the Defense Department; provide for congressional appointment and removal of the architect of the Capitol; and prohibit the use of funds for any activities involving unidentified anomalous phenomena unless the Defense Department has provided details of such activities to Congress. It would also require the National Archives to establish a UAP records collection, require each government agency to transmit relevant UAP documents to the collection, and require periodic review of such records for public disclosure. The measure is now cleared for the president." The vote was on the motion to agree to the conference report. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 310 to 118. The President signed the bill into law. [House Vote 723, 12/14/23; Congressional Quarterly, 12/14/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
2023: Schweikert Voted For $300 Million In Supplemental Assistance To Ukraine. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "passage of the bill that would provide $300 million in supplemental funding for security assistance to Ukraine in fiscal 2024." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 311 to 117, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 503, 9/28/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5692]
2023: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2024 Defense Appropriations. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "Passage of the bill, as amended, that would provide $826.4 billion in discretionary defense spending for fiscal 2024. It includes $293.1 billion for operation and maintenance activities, $165.1 billion for weapons and other procurement, $146.8 billion for military research and development and $177.9 billion for military personnel. It would provide approximately $9 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $4 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, primarily intended to counter aggression by China and Russia, respectively. It would also provide $500 million for cooperative missile defense programs with Israel. The bill would provide approximately $30 billion for missile defense programs, $40.7 billion for military aircraft, $32.9 billion for shipbuilding, $1.2 billion for drug interdiction and counterdrug activities and $39.4 billion for defense health care programs. It would provide $9.6 billion for the procurement of 86 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Among other provisions, the bill would provide funding for a 5.2 percent military pay increase and prohibit the use of funds for construction on any Space Command facilities until a final basing decision for the headquarters is delivered to Congress. Upon adoption of the rule (H Res 730), $300 million in security assistance to Ukraine was removed from the bill. As amended, the bill would prohibit the use of funds to deploy U.S. troops to Ukraine, reduce Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's salary to $1, prohibit the use of funds to require armed forces servicemembers or civilian Defense Department employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine and prohibit the use of funds to enforce any COVID-19 mask mandates." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 218 to 210, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 502, 9/28/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
Three Previous Votes To Allow For Floor Consideration Of The Bill Failed. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House voted 218-210 to pass the $826.1 billion package (HR 4365) of military and intelligence money after having fallen short three times earlier to even start floor debate on the measure --- and as the specter of a government shutdown loomed." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23]
Speaker McCarthy Removed $300 Million In Funds To Assist Ukrainian Forces From The Bill To Gain Conservative Support Needed To Pass The Bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill only squeaked over the finish line Thursday as the result of a decision by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to pull from the measure $300 million for training and equipping Ukrainian forces. Several ultraconservative Republicans had said the subtraction of the funding for Ukraine's war effort was necessary to earn their swing votes for final passage." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23]
The Bill Prohibited The Use Of Funds For Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Offices. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the House adopted amendments that would prevent the Pentagon from using fiscal 2024 dollars for any diversity, equity or inclusion office." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23]
The Bill Prohibited The Use Of Funds To Implement Executive Orders By President Biden Regarding The Climate. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the House adopted amendments that would [...] bar the implementation of the Biden administration's climate change-related executive orders." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23]
The Bill Prohibited The Reinstatement Of Vaccine Requirements In The Military. According to Congressional Quarterly, "the House adopted amendments that would [...] prevent the military from reinstating any COVID-19 vaccine requirements after an earlier mandate was officially rescinded in January 2023." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23]
The Bill Reduced The Salary Of The Defense Secretary To $1. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House even adopted on Wednesday a proposal to cut the annual salary of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III to $1." [Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23]
The Bill Prohibited Gender-Affirming Care Under The Exceptional Family Member Program. According to the House Committee On Rules, the bill "prohibit[ed] the provision of gender transition procedures, including surgery or medication, through the Exceptional Family Member Program." [House Committee On Rules, Accessed on 12/05/23]
The Bill Prohibited The Use Of Funds To House Migrants That Entered Through The Southern Border In Military Installations. According to the House Committee On Rules, the bill "Prevent[ed] funds in this act to be used to house migrants on military installations who entered this country through our open southern border." [House Committee On Rules, Accessed on 12/05/23]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The FY 2024 Defense Appropriations. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "motion to recommit the bill to the House Appropriations Committee." The vote was on the motion to recommit. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 210 to 218. [House Vote 501, 9/28/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/28/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The Use Of Funds By The Defense Department To Observe Pride Month. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 175 that would prohibit the use of funds for the Defense Department or Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute to observe Pride month as specified in the DOD's Cultural Observances and Awareness Events List and authorized by the undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 202 to 231. [House Vote 441, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The Use Of Funds For Reporting Requirements Of Unfunded Defense Priorities. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 166 that would prohibit the use of funds to carry out certain reporting requirements related to unfunded defense priorities." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 176 to 258. [House Vote 440, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against Prohibiting Using Funds To Transfer Cluster Munitions. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against "amendment no. 161 that would prohibit the use of funds to transfer cluster munitions, including to Ukraine." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 160 to 269. [House Vote 439, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against Prohibiting Using Funds To Provide Security Assistance To Ukraine. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against "amendment no. 160 that would bar the use of funds under the bill to provide security assistance to Ukraine." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 93 to 339. [House Vote 438, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against Prohibiting Using Funds In A Way That Violates Existing Defense Department Legal Requirements. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against "amendment no. 156 that would prohibit the use of funds in any way that violates existing legal requirements for Defense Department total force management." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 215 to 218. [House Vote 437, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit Using Funds For A Naming Commission To Remove Names, Symbols, And Monuments That Honor Or Commemorate The Confederacy. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 155 that would prohibit the use of funds for a naming commission to carry out an existing legal requirement for the Defense Department to remove from its assets any names, symbols, monuments and other displays that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 172 to 261. [House Vote 436, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Reduce The Salary Of The Defense Department Director Of Diversity And Inclusion Management To $1. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 153 that would reduce to $1 the salary of Norvel Dillard, director of Diversity and Inclusion Management at the Defense Department Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 184 to 248. [House Vote 435, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Reduce The Salary Of The Assistant Defense Secretary For Readiness To $1. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for "amendment no. 152 that would reduce Assistant Defense Secretary for Readiness Shawn Skelly's salary to $1." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 150 to 282. [House Vote 434, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit Using Funds To Classify Communications As Misinformation Or To Partner With Organizations That Recommend Censoring Protected Speech. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against amendment no. 151 that would strike from the bill a prohibition on the use of funds to classify communications of any U.S. person as misinformation or partner with an organization that recommends that pressures or recommends censoring constitutionally protected speech." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 203 to 231. [House Vote 433, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against Reducing Funding For The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative By $300 Million. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against "amendment no. 149 that would decrease by $300 million funding for Defense Department-wide operation and maintenance to be used for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and transfer the savings to the spending reduction account." The vote was on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 104 to 330. [House Vote 432, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against Reducing Defense Department Funding By $50 Million And Reallocate Those Funds To Defense Production Act Purchases. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against "amendment no. 34 that would reduce by $50 million funding for Defense Department-wide operation and maintenance and increase by the same amount funding for Defense Production Act purchases, intended to fund the advanced defense capabilities pilot program." The vote was on the amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 240 to 191. [House Vote 431, 9/27/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/27/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4365]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The FY2024 Department Of Defense Appropriations Act. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 712) that would provide for floor consideration of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (HR 4365)." The motion was on the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 212 to 216. [House Vote 403, 9/21/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/21/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 712]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The FY2024 Department Of Defense Appropriations Act. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 712) that would provide for floor consideration of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (HR 4365)." The motion was on the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 216 to 202. [House Vote 402, 9/21/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/21/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 712]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The Department Of Defense Appropriations Act. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "adoption of the rule (H Res 680) that would provide for floor consideration of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (HR 4365). The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate and make in order 184 amendments to the bill." The vote was on adoption of the rule. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 212 to 214. [House Vote 398, 9/19/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/19/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4635; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 680]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The Department Of Defense Appropriations Act. In September 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 680) that would provide for floor consideration of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (HR 4365)." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 217 to 209. [House Vote 397, 9/19/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/19/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4635; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 680]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Close Portions Of The Conference Between Both Chambers On The FY 2024 NDAA. In September 2023, Schweikert voted for a motion to, according to Congressional Quarterly, "close portions of the conference on the Fiscal 2024 Defense Authorization bill (HR 2670)." The vote was on a motion to close portions of the conference. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 401 to 19. [House Vote 396, 9/19/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/19/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The Senate Amendment To The FY 2024 NDAA. In September 2023, Schweikert effectively voted for disagreeing to the Senate amendment to the FY 2024 NDAA. According to Congressional Quarterly, the motion would mean that the House "disagree with the Senate amendment to the bill and request a conference with the Senate." The vote was on a motion to request a conference. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 393 to 27. [House Vote 395, 9/19/23; Congressional Quarterly, 9/19/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
2023: Schweikert Voted To Authorize $847.2 Billion In National Defense Spending For FY 2024, Including $841.5 Billion For The Department Of Defense And $32.2 Billion For National Security Programs Within The Energy Department. In July 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would "authorize $874.2 billion in national defense spending, including $841.5 billion for the Defense Department and $32.2 billion for national security programs within the Energy Department. The bill would authorize approximately $168.6 billion for weapons and other procurement and $145.2 billion for military research and development. Within these totals, it would authorize $32.3 billion for shipbuilding; $13.2 billion for Air Force procurement of 83 new F-35 series tactical force aircraft; $17.4 billion for 92 Navy aircraft; $539 million for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ballistic missile system; and approximately $30 billion for missile defense programs, including $434 million for a hypersonic missile defense system, $498 million for continued development of Guam missile defense systems, $160 million for Israeli missile defense systems and $2.6 billion for a Space Force defendable missile warning satellite system. Within Energy Department funding, it would authorize $23.9 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, primarily for the maintenance of a nuclear weapons stockpile. It would authorize $38.2 billion for the Defense Health Program and $17.5 billion for military construction. It would authorize $9.7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $3.6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, primarily intended to counter aggression by China and Russia, respectively. For international assistance and cooperation, it would authorize $4 billion to bolster U.S. and allied forces in Europe against Russian aggression, including $300 million in security assistance to Ukraine; $565 million for the U.S. Africa Command; $398 million for forces in Syria and Iraq combating the Islamic State group; $336 million for a cooperative threat reduction program assisting former Soviet Union countries; $300 million for cooperative research and development programs with Israel; and $210 million for the Baltic Security Initiative. " The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 219 to 210, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 328, 7/14/23; Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
The FY 2024 Defense Spending Bill Would Establish A Special Inspector General For Ukraine Aid And Instruct The Defense Department To Increase Energy Resiliency For Every Main Base In The U.S. European Command Zone. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill would establish a special inspector general for Ukraine assistance and require the Defense Department to make plans to increase the energy resiliency of each main operating base in the U.S. European Command zone." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/23]
The FY 2024 Defense Spending Bill Would Authorize $1.1 Billion For The DoD Environmental Restoration Fund And Instruct The DoD To Undertake Several Environmental Cleanup Activities. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would authorize $1.1 billion for the Defense Department environmental restoration fund and require the department to undertake various environmental cleanup activities." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/14/23]
The FY 2024 NDAA Would Authorize $886 Billion In Defense Spending. According to Reuters, "The fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which sets policy for the Pentagon and authorizes $886 billion in spending, was approved 219-210." [Reuters, 7/14/23]
The FY 2024 NDAA Would Include A Salary Increase For Military Members, Initiatives To Counter China And An Extra $300 Million In Ukraine Aid. According to Reuters, "The House measure includes a pay raise for members of the military, initiatives to counter China and an additional $300 million to support Ukraine as it responds to the February 2021 invasion by Russia." [Reuters, 7/14/23]
The FY 2024 NDAA Would Also Bar The Defense Department From Paying For Gender-Affirming Surgeries And Hormone Treatment. According to Reuters, "The House also voted 222-211 to prohibit the Pentagon from paying for gender-affirming surgeries and hormone treatment." [Reuters, 7/14/23]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Allowed For A Decrease In Total Number Of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles Deployed In The U.S. In July 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would "strike language to prohibit the reduction of the total number of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles deployed in the U.S." The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 160 to 266. [House Vote 299, 7/13/23; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 231]
2023: Schweikert Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Allowed Defense FY 2024 Funding To Go Towards Retiring The B83-1 Nuclear Gravity Bombs. In July 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which would "strike a provision that would bar the use of funds authorized by the bill or otherwise made available in fiscal 2024 or any year thereafter to retire the B83-1 nuclear gravity bombs to sustain such bombs." The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 198 to 217. [House Vote 298, 7/13/23; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/23; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 230]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2024. In July 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "adoption of the second rule (H Res 583) that would provide for floor consideration of the fiscal 2024 Defense Authorization Act (HR 2670). The rule would make in order 80 additional amendments to HR 2670 and would not provide for any additional time for general debate on the bill." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 220 to 208. [House Vote 296, 7/13/23; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 583; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
2023: Schweikert Missed a vote on The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2024. In July 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert missed a vote on the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) the second rule (H Res 583) that would provide for floor consideration of the Fiscal 2024 Defense Authorization Act (HR 2670)." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 214 to 207. [House Vote 295, 7/13/23; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 583; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2024. In July 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "adoption of the first rule (H Res 582), as amended, that would provide for floor consideration of the Fiscal 2024 Defense Authorization Act (HR 2670). The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate on HR 2670 and make in order 289 amendments to the bill. The rule would specify that once amendment debate concludes no further consideration of the bill would be in order, except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House. It would provide for the automatic adoption of the Rogers, R-Ala., manager's amendment that would make several technical corrections to the bill and add a requirement for the Defense Department, beginning in January 2024, to provide quarterly briefings to Congress on its implementation of a pilot program to hire special needs inclusion coordinators at child development centers." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 217 to 207. [House Vote 294, 7/12/23; Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 582; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
2023: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2024. In July 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the Cole, R-Okla., amendment no. 1 to the first rule (H Res 582) that would provide for floor consideration of the Fiscal 2024 Defense Authorization Act (HR 2670), and on H Res 582." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 215 to 201. [House Vote 292, 7/12/23; Congressional Quarterly, 7/12/23; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 582; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2670]
2024: Schweikert Voted For The 883.7 Billion FY 2025 Defense Authorization That Included Raises For Servicemembers And Increased Funding For Housing. In December 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the Senate amendment to the bill with a further House amendment containing the fiscal 2025 defense authorization legislative package. It would authorize $883.7 billion in discretionary defense spending for fiscal 2025. It also would authorize a 4.5 percent increase in military basic pay for all military personnel and provide for an additional 10 percent raise for junior enlisted servicemembers (E1-E4). It also would authorize increased funding for housing construction and maintenance." The House passed the bill by a vote of 281 to 140. [House Vote 500, 12/11/24; Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 5009]
The Bill Waived Referral Requirements And Banned Gender-Affirming Care For Minors Under Military Health Care. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It also would provide for increased compensation for Defense Department medical providers and waive referral requirements under military health care (TRICARE). It also would ban TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming care for minors." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/24]
The Bill Funded New Child Care Centers And Fee Assistance Programs. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It also would authorize funds for the design and construction of new child care centers and fully fund child care fee assistance programs." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/24]
The Bill Included $3.6 Billion For Defense Department Schools. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It also would authorize $3.6 billion for Defense Department-dependent schools, including more than $110 million for the construction of new schools for the children of servicemembers." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/24]
The Bill Transferred Space Functions Currently Under The Air national Guard To The Space Force. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It also would allow the Space Force to take on space functions currently covered by the Air National Guard and, with the consent of servicemembers, transfer those working on the space functions into the Space Force without the consent of the governor overseeing their National Guard unit." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/24]
The Bill Extended Restrictions On Closing Guantanamo Bay. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The measure would extend restrictions on closing the U.S. military-run detention center at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and on moving detainees from that facility stateside or to certain foreign countries." [Congressional Quarterly, 12/11/24]
2024: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2025 Defense Appropriations. In June 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would that would provide $833.1 billion in net discretionary defense spending for fiscal 2025. The bill would provide $294.2 billion for operations and maintenance activities, $165.3 billion for weapons and other procurement, $146 billion for military research and development, $41.2 billion for the Defense Health Program and $183.7 billion for military personnel, including a 4.5 percent pay raise for all military personnel, along with an additional 15 percent pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers. The bill would provide $500 million for Israeli cooperative programs, including $110 million for the Iron Dome missile defense system. It also would allocate $1.9 billion for prior year shipbuilding increases." The vote was on passage. The House passed the FY 2025 Defense Appropriations by a vote of 217 to 198. [House Vote 331, 6/28/24; Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8774]
The Bill Prohibited Bans On Critical Race Theory, Mask Mandates, And Classified Remote Work For Defense Employees. According to Congressional Quarterly, "[the bill] also would prohibit the use of funds to [...] enforce certain COVID-19 mandates, or promote critical race theory. As amended, it would prohibit the use of funds provided by the bill for classified telework or remote work for Defense Department employees." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24]
The Bill Included Various Other "Culture War" Provisions, Including Bans On Reimbursement For Travel Costs For Reproductive And Abortion Care For Servicemembers, Advocating Diversity, Paying For Transgender Health Care, Protecting Military Facilities Against Climate Change, Implementation Of An Executive Order Promoting Voter Access, And Implementation Of A Rule Requiring Federal Contractors To Disclose Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The House voted 217-198 on Friday morning to pass an $833.1 billion fiscal 2025 Defense appropriations bill laced with GOP-written provisions that have sparked partisan rows. Those include recurring legislative provisions to bar funds for reimbursing expenses incurred by military personnel who need to travel to obtain abortions and cutbacks to programs for advocating diversity, bankrolling transgender health care and bolstering military facilities against climate change --- to name a few. [...] The House adopted, 201-187, an amendment that would bar funding to implement an executive order relating to promotion of access to voting. And the House voted 211-199 to adopt an amendment that would prohibit the use of funds to implement a regulation requiring federal contractors to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24]
The Bill Prohibited Waiving The Requirement Of China To Meet Conditions For Participation In Rim Of The Pacific Naval Exercises If It Was In The Interest Of U.S. National Security. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It also would prohibit the use of funds under the bill to enforce a provision of the Fiscal 2019 defense authorization law that allows the Defense secretary to waive the requirement to certify that China has met the conditions for participation in Rim of the Pacific naval exercises if such waiver is in the interest of U.S. national security." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24]
The Bill Prohibited The Transfer Or Release Of Guantanamo Bay Detainees. According to Congressional Quarterly, "[the bill] would prohibit funds under the bill [...] to transfer or release detainees at Guantanamo Bay." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24]
The Bill Prohibited The Transfer Of Funds To The Wuhan Institute Of Virology. According to Congressional Quarterly, "[the bill] would prohibit funds under the bill from being transferred to the Wuhan Institute of Virology." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24]
The Bill Shifted Combatant Command Responsibility For Mexico To The U.S. Southern Command. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Among its policy provisions, [the bill] would shift combatant command responsibility for Mexico to the U.S. Southern Command within 180 days of the bill's enactment." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24]
2024: Schweikert Voted Against Recommitting The FY 2025 Defense Appropriations. In June 2024, Schweikert voted against , according to Congressional Quarterly, the "motion to recommit the bill to the House Appropriations Committee." The vote was on the motion to recommit. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 Defense Appropriations. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 202 to 211. [House Vote 330, 6/28/24; Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8774]
2024: Schweikert Voted For The FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act Which Authorized $883.7 Billion, Including Personnel Raises And Reductions In Procurement Funding As Well As Prohibitions On The Dismantling Of Nuclear Bombs Or The Reduction In ICBMs With Nuclear Warheads. In June 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would authorize $883.7 billion in total defense spending for fiscal 2025. The bill would authorize a 4.5 percent increase in military basic pay and recommend an additional 15 percent raise for junior enlisted personnel (E1-E4); authorize the Pentagon to reimburse servicemembers for all their off base housing costs; and require the basic needs allowance to ensure no servicemember's salary drops below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. On procurement issues, the bill would reduce the requested 68 F-35 fighter jets to 58, netting about $1 billion in savings. That money would be redirected to efforts to address deficiencies in the aircraft and its support systems. The measure would prohibit the dismantling of B83-1 nuclear bombs and would bar any reduction in the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. It also would bar retirements of F-15E fighter jets, pending submission of a study on aircraft requirements. The bill would authorize the end strengths for active and reserve armed services and $17.5 billion for military construction and housing projects.[...] The measure also would extend through fiscal 2025 the authorization for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which is a program to consolidate and focus U.S. military efforts to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 217 to 199, thus, it was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 279, 6/14/24; Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8070]
The Legislation Extended Restrictions On The Closure Of The Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. "The measure would extend restrictions on closing the U.S. military-run detention center at the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and on moving detainees from that facility stateside or to certain foreign countries. The bill also would bar construction or modification of prisons to hold the prisoners in the continental United States." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24]
The Bill Included Various Amendments That Prohibited Gender-Affirming Care, Rescinded A DOD Abortion And Reproductive Health Policy, And Prohibited The Use Of Funds For DEI Or Critical Race Theory-Related Programs. According to Congressional Quarterly, "As amended, the bill would prohibit the use of funds for programs related to critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion. It also would rescind a DOD policy on abortions and reproductive healthcare. As amended, the bill would prohibit TRICARE from covering, and the DOD from furnishing, gender transition surgeries and gender hormone treatments for individuals who identify as transgender. It would also prohibit the provision of gender transition procedures, including surgery or medication, through the Exceptional Family Medical Program." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24]
The Abortion And Reproductive Health Policy Rescinded By The Bill Provided Leave And Reimbursement For Travel To Servicemembers In States With Strict Abortion Laws. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill's politically touchy provisions are many, but the arguably most explosive is its ban on covering certain expenses incurred by servicemembers obtaining abortions. The provision takes aim at a Biden administration policy that provides leave and reimburses travel costs for servicemembers stationed in states with strict abortion laws who seek reproductive health care elsewhere." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24]
The Bill Contained Several Other "Culture War" Amendments That Prohibited DEI Programs At DOD Schools, Authorizations For Programs To Prepare Military Facilities For Climate Change, Drag Shows And Story Hours At Military Facilities, And The Consideration Of Politics, Gender, Sex, Race, Or Religion In Military Personnel Decisions. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Moreover, the bill would require that military personnel decisions be based solely on merit and without regard to politics, race, color, sex or religion. It would bar diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Defense Department schools." [...] The legislation would also not authorize any programs to help the U.S. military gird its facilities for climate change's impact. [...] The bill would [...] prohibit drag shows and drag queen story hours at military facilities." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24]
The Bill Included Increases In Compensation For Servicemembers. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House NDAA is noteworthy for including new compensation and benefits for military families, from higher housing allowances to greater pay. The personnel portion of the bill is $3.83 billion above the president's request. The measure would authorize a 4.5 percent pay raise for all servicemembers, plus various special pays and bonuses. Junior enlisted troops would get a 19.5 percent raise." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24]
The House Adopted An Amendment That Required An Audit Of Pentagon Weapons, Spare Parts, And Service Programs In An Attempt To Reduce Overcharging By Contractors. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House passed the bill after adopting by voice vote a proposal from Reps. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., to create a one-year audit of Pentagon weapons, spare parts and services programs with a view to rooting out overcharging by contractors." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24]
The Bill Required A Full Review Of The U.S.-South Africa Relationship. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The House also adopted, 272-144, an amendment by Rep. John James, R-Mich., that would expand a presidential reporting requirement on South African threats to U.S. security by including a mandate for a full review of the U.S. relationship with South Africa." [Congressional Quarterly, 6/14/24]
The Call For Review Of The Relationship Came After South Africa Brought A Case To The International Court Of Justice Accusing Israel Of Genocide And Stemmed From Separate Stand-Alone Legislation. According to the Middle East Eye, "Congressmen John James and Jared Moskowitz introduced a bill last week in the US House of Representatives that seeks to undergo a review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa. The US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act would require a full review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa, 'given South Africa's recent positioning and coordination with America's adversaries.' [...] The bill alleges that South Africa has a history of siding with 'malign actors' and that its support for Hamas goes back to 1994, when the African National Congress first came to power, because South Africa has been 'consistently accusing Israel of practicing apartheid'. South Africa has accused Israel of genocide and in January took it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, which held hearings in response to the accusation." [Middle East Eye, 2/12/24]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The Use Of FY 2025 Defense Funds For Electric Vehicles. In June 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "amendment no. 22 that would prohibit the use of funds authorized or made available to the Defense Department under the bill for electric vehicles or an electric vehicle charging infrastructure." The vote was on the amendment. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 173 to 241. [House Vote 254, 6/12/24; Congressional Quarterly, 6/12/24; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.966; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8070]
2024: Schweikert Voted To Prohibit The Use Of FY 2025 Defense Funds To Transport Palestinian Refugees To The United States. In June 2024, Schweikert voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "amendment no. 8 that would prohibit the use of funds authorized by the bill or otherwise made available to the Defense Department for the operation of any DOD aircraft to transport Palestinian refugees to the United States." The vote was on the amendment. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 204 to 199. [House Vote 253, 6/12/24; Congressional Quarterly, 6/12/24; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.963; Congressional Actions, H.R. 8070]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Providing A 4.6% Military Pay Raise And Against Increasing The Basic Needs Allowance. In December 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which would, in part, "authorize a 4.6 percent military pay increase and increase the basic needs allowance to ensure servicemembers earn at least 150 percent of the poverty level." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 350-80, thus the bill was sent to the Senate for final concurrence. The Senate concurred with the House, sent the final bill to President Biden, and it ultimately became law. [House Vote 516, 12/8/22; Congressional Quarterly, 12/8/22; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1512; Congressional Actions, H.R. 7776]
2015: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against Providing $5 Million More For The U.S. Army Medical Research And Material Command And $2 Million For The Operation And Maintenance Army Account. In June 2015, Schweikert effectively voted against providing an addition $5 million for the U.S. Army Medical and Material Command. According to Congressional Quarterly, the amendment would have "recommit[ed] the bill to the House Appropriations Committee with instructions to report back with an amendment that would provide an additional $5 million for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command to implement congressionally-directed medical research programs and an additional $2 million for the Operation and Maintenance Army account. It also would provide an additional $2 million for the Operation and Maintenance Defense-Wide account and reduce funding for that account by $9 million." The vote was on the amendment and the House rejected the amendment 186 to 240. The underlying bill was HR 2865, the appropriations bill for the FY 2016 the Department of Defense. That legislation passed the House by a vote of 278 to 149. The Senate brought up the bill for cloture on the motion to proceed where it failed. [House Vote 357, 6/11/15; Congressional Quarterly, 6/11/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2685]
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA): Amendment Would Add Money To Protect The Troops And Their Families From Terrorist Attacks. In a floor speech, Rep. Moulton said, "Mr. Speaker, this amendment is simple. First, it will add $2 million to the Army Threat Integration Center to protect our troops and their families from terrorist attacks. ISIS, al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups are directly threatening Americans, our troops, and our allies abroad every single day. In fact, a group related to ISIS recently posted the photos and addresses of about 100 hundred U.S. troops online so that, in their words, 'our brothers residing in America can deal with you.' Our military families have also been threatened with attacks. We can't stand idly by; we must act, and this additional funding will help." [Congressional Record, 6/11/15]
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA): The Amendment Adds Money To Fund Reintegration Programs For Returning Troops. In a floor speech, Rep. Moulton said, "The amendment also adds $2 million for the Yellow Ribbon reintegration program to help Active Duty and National Guard troops. As a veteran myself, I know just how difficult the reintegration process can be. In fact, I am in regular contact with many of the marines from my platoon, and we talk about this every day. These men and women have put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom. We owe it to them to provide them with the resources they need both on and off the battlefield." [Congressional Record, 6/11/15]
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA): The Amendment Funds "Cutting-Edge Techniques To Save Injured Troops On The Battlefield." In a floor speech, Rep. Moulton said, "Lastly, this amendment adds $5 million for Joint Warfighter Medical Research, which provides the latest cutting-edge techniques to save injured troops on the battlefield. The men and women who fight on our behalf should know that we have their backs at the most difficult times. These initiatives are fully paid for with a reasonable and commonsense reduction in funding for Defense Media Activity, which provides magazines and movies for our military." [Congressional Record, 6/11/15]
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ): The Motion To Recommit Was Partisan Politics And The Underlying Legislation Should Have Been Passed As It Was Written. In a floor speech, Rep. Frelinghuysen said, "Mr. Chairman, over the years, Members of Congress have agreed that the Defense Appropriations bill is no place for partisan politics. Our national security is far too important. This week, the leadership of the other party has decided to throw that tradition out the window, and their timing couldn't be more unfortunate. As we gather here this afternoon, over 200,000 men and women in uniform do the hard work of freedom across the globe--in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Sinai, Eastern Europe, along the DMZ, and other faraway places. These members of our Armed Forces and their comrades who serve here at home and their families all deserve our admiration and untiring gratitude. This bipartisan bill before you delivers for them. I urge a 'no' vote on the motion to recommit and 'yes' on final passage of this bipartisan bill that recognizes and honors their service." [Congressional Record, 6/11/15]