Staff Reports
In a blow to Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the House GOP, the latest appropriations bill for the Department of Defense has died on a procedural vote in the House of Representatives. The bill failed 212-214 on the chamber floor, with five Republicans voting against it. This comes as a disappointment for McCarthy, as it is the second time during his tenure that a rules vote has failed.
The failure of this bill is a result of the ongoing debate over a Continuing Resolution (CR) to avoid a partial government shutdown. While Freedom Caucus Republicans are opposed to the CR due to Biden administration spending policies, Democrats are against it because of the border security measures. This disagreement has led to the defense bill becoming a pawn in the negotiations.
House Defense Spending Bill Goes up the Flue https://t.co/V7SmMVHKQF pic.twitter.com/v8NUczajKt
— IndictedTrump2️⃣⏺2️⃣4⃣🍊 (@RealTrump2020_) September 19, 2023
It is concerning to see how Congress wants to spend money in the defense appropriation. The bill includes reductions for climate change mitigation efforts that do not directly improve combat capability, as well as programs that the Committee argues divide the military along racial, ethnic, or gender lines. These expenditures are unnecessary and wasteful, further highlighting the need for fiscal responsibility in government spending.
It is clear that Congress is more focused on procedural squabbles and overlooked the real problem at hand – reckless and excessive spending. The government needs to prioritize cutting unnecessary expenses like these and focus on maintaining a strong and effective defense without wasting taxpayer dollars. It’s time for Congress to make serious changes and cut spending, even if it means shutting down the government temporarily. The nation’s financial health is at stake, and it’s time to address our spendthrift practices.
