Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) addressed the Senate floor today, expressing concern over Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer's delay in considering the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Cornyn emphasized that this postponement leaves the U.S. Department of Defense and service members unable to plan effectively.

“I truly believe this is the most dangerous time our country has experienced since World War II,” Cornyn stated.

He underscored that providing for national defense is a fundamental responsibility of the federal government, one that cannot be fulfilled by local or state governments or private entities.

“We could have taken up the good bipartisan work of the Armed Services Committee and put the National Defense Authorization bill on the floor, but the Majority Leader would have none of that,” he said. “When the Majority Leader makes this choice, it doesn’t give our commanders the certainty they need to make decisions that will serve both our short-term and long-term interests.”

Cornyn predicted that addressing this issue would likely become an "exercise in the lame-duck after the election." He criticized Schumer’s scheduling decisions as a disservice to military personnel and a risk to national security readiness and deterrence.

“It’s long past time for Senator Schumer to bring this vital legislation to the floor. We’re playing with fire, I believe, at a time when national security threats loom so large,” he remarked.

Cornyn concluded by warning that adversaries are not operating according to Schumer’s timeline.