Originally published September 28, 2023 2:00 pm PDT
In a recent development, an amendment proposed by Republican Representative Chip Roy of Texas, aimed at defunding drag shows and so-called “pride month” events within the Department of Defense, faced opposition not only from Democrats but also from eighteen members of his own party.
The amendment was introduced as part of an effort to refocus the military’s priorities, amid concerns regarding its recent engagements with what some conservatives describe as leftist ideologies, particularly those related to LGBT ideology.
Rep. Roy has been vocal about his stance against what he perceives as the infusion of “woke ideology” in the military.
In March, he, along with nine other Congressional members, initiated a motion to eliminate funding for LGBT events from the Department of Defense Appropriations Act.
He expressed his concerns, his office stating in a tweet, “The Pentagon should be MORE focused on maintaining military readiness (like shoring up our intel) than hosting drag queen events and indoctrinating troops.”
The proposed amendment was part of a broader conservative effort to realign the military’s focus on its primary objectives, especially at a time when international tensions are escalating.
The proponents of the amendment argue that the military should concentrate more on enhancing its combat and defense capabilities rather than engaging in activities that promote LGBT agendas.
However, the amendment did not pass, with a voting margin of 231-202 on Wednesday.
While all 213 House Democrats voted against the amendment, eighteen House Republicans also opposed it.
The names of the Republicans who voted against the amendment include Ken Buck (CO), Ken Calvert (CA), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR), John Curtis (UT), Anthony D’Esposito (NY), John Duarte (CA), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Andrew Garbarino (NY), Tony Gonzales (TX), David Joyce (OH), Thomas Kean (NJ), Kevin Kiley (CA), Nick LaLota (NY), Michael Lawler (NY), Nancy Mace (SC), Marcus Molinaro (NY), Jay Obernolte (CA), and Michelle Steel (CA).
The defeat of this amendment is surprising granted the current Republican majority in the House of Representatives, as Republicans tend to vote along conservative lines.
The list of Republicans was pointed out by The Sentinel editor Ben Zeisloft and reported by The Western Journal’s Peter Patroll.
