Rep. Adams’ Statement on Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act
December 12, 2019
Washington, DC –– Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved S. 1790, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20):
"While not a perfect bill, I voted Yes to approve the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)", said Congresswoman Adams. "For the first time, federal employees will have access to twelve weeks of paid parental leave, allowing parents to care for their newborns, without threat of job termination or lost pay. I also was pleased to see included a provision that I championed with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus that will require the federal government to provide recommendations to increase research and development activities at our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
"While I am pleased with these accomplishments, I remain disappointed that this bill does not end U.S. assistance to Saudi Arabia in their continued bombing of Yemen, which has orphaned hundreds of thousands of children. Furthermore, I am concerned that the bill will not limit the President's continued aggression towards Iran. However, I understand all comprehensive and substantive pieces of legislation require compromise."
"I will continue to fight against U.S. aggression in our foreign policy. At the same time, I will continue championing policies that immediately improve the well-being of the residents of North Carolina's 12th District."
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