Arizona GOP lawmaker criticized for using offensive term ‘colored people’ in dispute with former Black Caucus chair.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) Faces Backlash for Offensive Language During Congressional Debate

During a recent debate on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) caused controversy by using the outdated term “colored people.” His words were later removed from the congressional record, sparking outrage.

Crane’s remarks came while discussing an amendment that aimed to prevent the Department of Defense from considering race, politics, gender, or religion in recruitment, training, hiring, and promotion decisions. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) expressed her disapproval, leading to a heated exchange.

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“Though that was unbelievably inspiring, my amendment has nothing to do with whether or not colored people or black people or anybody can serve, OK?” Crane responded to Beatty’s earlier comments. Despite Beatty’s attempt to interrupt and involve the presiding officer, Crane continued with his statement.

“What we want to preserve and maintain is the fact that our military does not become a social experiment,” Crane emphasized. “We want the best of the best. We want to have standards that guide who’s in what unit, what they do, and I’m gonna tell you guys right now: The Russians, the Chinese, the Iranians, the North Koreans, they are not doing this because they want the strongest military possible. I hope my colleagues on the other side can understand what we’re doing. Thank you so much.”

Beatty, a former chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, immediately called for Crane’s use of the term “colored people” to be stricken from the congressional record, deeming it offensive and inappropriate.

“I’d like to be recognized to have the words ‘colored people’ stricken from the record. I find it offensive and very inappropriate,” Beatty asserted. She further requested unanimous consent to remove the words referring to her or any of her colleagues as “colored people.”

Crane then proposed amending his remarks to say “people of color” instead, but Beatty insisted on the words being completely stricken from the record. Her request was granted through unanimous consent.

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The debated amendment ultimately passed with a 214-210 vote. However, the GOP-controlled House’s approval of various other amendments, including those related to abortion, climate change, and transgender issues, may jeopardize support for the NDAA in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Democratic leaders in the House have already expressed their intention to vote against the NDAA in its current form.

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