July 18, 2025

Rep. Sykes Votes Against Defense Appropriations Bill

The Bill Harms Military Readiness with Unnecessary, Divisive Provisions that Undermine Morale and Fail to Support Our Servicemembers 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Early this morning, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill, which hurts our military readiness, undermines democracy at home and abroad, and inexplicably attacks women's rights. 

“The FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill is the latest example of the majority attempting to manipulate our budget process to cut taxes for the richest people in our country – and this time they want to sell out military readiness and the welfare of our troops,” said Rep. Sykes. “This bill is too extreme – I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that puts our servicemembers in harm’s way.” 

The language in this bill directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to determine $7.75 billion in cuts. This jeopardizes every program other than intelligence activities.