Pete Buttigieg finds battles over gay pride and Dylan Mulvaney culture wars ‘frustrating’.

Transportation Secretary ⁢Pete ​Buttigieg Criticizes Republican Focus on Cultural Issues

Transportation ⁤Secretary⁤ Pete‌ Buttigieg expressed his frustration ⁤with the Republican party’s emphasis⁤ on cultural issues ⁢such as ⁣”gay pride” and gender⁤ transitions. ‌Speaking at the⁣ National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Buttigieg ⁤highlighted conservative opposition to drag shows ‍and the backlash against Bud Light ⁤for promoting​ a transgender influencer named Dylan Mulvaney.

Buttigieg’s Concerns ⁢About Priorities

In a recent interview, Buttigieg shared his observations from his interactions with the public. He stated, ​”When I’m out‍ in Wheeling,⁣ West Virginia, or ⁤Pittsburgh at the airport or‌ anywhere else, the questions are not about ⁢beer bottles ⁢or drag queens. The questions ⁣are about⁣ making sure that we can deliver these transportation assets that people can ​count on.” He expressed his frustration with the media’s focus on divisive cultural issues instead ⁣of highlighting ​the numerous transportation projects his​ department has supported across the country.

Buttigieg also mentioned Bud Light’s decline in popularity and market share ⁣following ‍their promotion of Mulvaney,⁣ emphasizing the consequences of the backlash against ⁣inclusive initiatives.

Republican ⁤Opposition and Democratic Response

Buttigieg’s comments come after a contentious Appropriations Committee hearing, during which⁢ Republicans proposed budget cuts ​for his department and attached amendments to⁢ defund ‌gay community centers. ⁢Some of these centers aimed⁢ to use taxpayer dollars to support transgender healthcare. Several committee Democrats, including ranking member Rosa⁢ DeLaura and Representative Mark ⁤Pocan,⁣ strongly⁢ opposed these ‌amendments, with ‌DeLaura even using the term “terrorists” to describe her Republican colleagues. However, these ‍remarks were later stricken⁣ from the record.

Representative Ryan Zinke clarified that‌ the amendment was not driven by bigotry but rather by a debate on⁣ the ⁤appropriate use of public funds. Buttigieg admitted that he had not ‍closely followed ⁤the congressional debate.

Challenges Ahead

Buttigieg‍ emphasized the need to⁣ prioritize two key objectives: protecting vulnerable groups through policy⁣ and ensuring the smooth functioning of essential transportation services. ‌He ‌expressed confidence in the administration’s ​commitment to both goals.

The funding⁤ measure currently before Congress is ‍crucial to‍ avoid a government shutdown. However, ​it is expected to face opposition in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The final bill ​approved by both chambers must adhere to the budget⁢ constraints outlined in ‌the recent debt ‍ceiling agreement.

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