GOP Rep. Roy opposes military funding due to pride declaration, questions possibility of rainbow uniforms.

Rep. Chip Roy Urges GOP to Withhold Military Funding Over LGBT Pride Declarations

Background

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) has called on the GOP to withhold support for crucial military funding due to the Air Force’s recent LGBT pride declarations. Roy made the declaration after his office received several statements from the military urging the celebration of LGBT holidays. A May 3 memo from the Air Force told commanders to “plan and conduct appropriate activities in honor of Pride Month,” and a flyer from Robins Air Force Base in Georgia advertised “Pride Game Night” on June 1. These items, along with increasing rhetoric praising the LGBT community coming from the military, led Roy to urge Republicans to take drastic action to put a stop to it.

Roy’s Statement

“What’s next, rainbow uniforms during pride month?” Roy said in a statement to Fox News. “The Air Force and Defense Department sanctions this ridiculous use of taxpayer dollars and then expects members of Congress who represent Americans who are livid about this stuff to green light an $800 billion-plus DOD budget. If DOD doesn’t put a stop to these kinds of divisive, and frankly embarrassing, DOD events, Republicans should pull support for this year’s [National Defense Authorization Act].”

The National Defense Authorization Act

Roy was referring to the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual budget proposal that needs approval from Congress. Last year’s NDAA included $847 billion. Republicans, historically the most hawkish on military spending, have shown more hesitancy in recent years as the command of the armed forces has increasingly pushed socially progressive rhetoric and events.

Conclusion

Rep. Chip Roy’s call to withhold military funding over LGBT pride declarations has sparked controversy. While some agree with Roy’s stance, others argue that the military should be inclusive and celebrate diversity. The debate over military spending and social issues is likely to continue as the National Defense Authorization Act comes up for approval.

• Use of taxpayer dollars for LGBT pride events
• Call to withhold military funding
• Controversy over inclusivity and diversity in the military
• Debate over military spending and social issues