Three Democratic lawmakers have introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require military service members be vaccinated for influenza following a recent outbreak. The amendment was introduced Tuesday afternoon on Capitol Hill by Reps. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) following the recent flu outbreak that occurred at Joint Base San Antonio, commonly known as Lackland Air Force Base, located within Castro’s legislative district. Castro said Tuesday that there are now 284 confirmed flu cases and four hospitalizations at the base, up from the 275 confirmed flu cases he reported on June 24.
Medical Group family health technician administers a flu vaccine to a patient during a mass flu vaccination at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Oct. 15, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Demi M. Ebert)
There are now 284 confirmed flu cases and four hospitalizations at the Lack at Lackland Air Force Base. Trainee Keon McDaniel from the 737th Training Support Squadron tragically died on june 16. I'm demanding an investigation into this into his death in connection to the flu outbreak "In April, Secretary [Pete] Hegseth called the flu mandate irrational and absurd," Castro said. "What's absurd about keeping those who serve our nation safe? No president or secretary should be able to play politics and put the health of our troops at risk. Flu spreads quickly and many suffer the consequences. It took the Pentagon over a month to approve Lackland's request to reinstate the mandate. "In the meantime, many more trainees got sick. Unfortunately, time and again, Republicans in Congress and the administration have shown they're willing to play politics with our troops."
