Washington, DC -- Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter released the following statement regarding his vote on the National Defense Authorization Act:

"I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act because we are prosecuting two wars, and it's important to send our troops, who are in harms' way, a message that we will support them in finishing the courageous work we've asked them to do.  Furthermore, there is critical funding we must maintain for Buckley Air Force Base located in our Congressional District.

This is a flawed bill, and I am opposed to several other provisions in it.  I hope the Senate will remove a provision reinstating the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, which among other problems would trigger a Presidential veto if included.  Additionally, I am optimistic the Senate will remove provisions raising health insurance premiums for our troops and giving any future President a blank check to use military force against Mid East nations."