WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement today after voting against a bill to increase funding for the Department of Defense in fiscal year 2016:  

“It is not acceptable to say that we will significantly increase funding for the Defense Department while, at the same time, making drastic cuts in programs desperately needed by the elderly, the children, the sick and the poor. I urge the Republican leadership to support those of us who are trying to end the absurd budgetary practice of sequestration.”