Larson Rejects Republican Bill Weaponizing Funding for Troops to Advance Culture War Agenda
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted against House Republicans’ military funding bill that eliminates security assistance for Ukraine, restricts access to abortion for servicemembers, and targets the LGBTQ+ community.
“House Republicans hijacked a traditionally bipartisan bill to tie their culture war agenda to funding for our troops and allies,” said Larson. “This bill fails to support servicemembers and their families and will only embolden foreign adversaries like Russia by eliminating critical support for Ukraine’s self-defense. I was proud to stand with Democrats to reject this partisan weaponization of funding for our military to target women’s health care and the LGBTQ+ community. Under the leadership of Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, we will continue to fight back against these divisive culture war attacks. Cooler heads must prevail in the Senate to get this process back on track for our servicemembers and veterans. Democrats will always stand with our troops – and stand ready to work with anyone to ensure they get the pay raise they deserve and the support they need.”
House Republicans added divisive provisions to this year’s defense funding bill, including:
Allowing the Secretary of Defense to unilaterally determine $7.75 billion in cuts, including funding for troop pay
Eliminating funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative that boosts Ukraine’s self-defense against Russian aggression
Barring funding for servicemembers to travel for reproductive health care
Permitting workers to discriminate against same sex married couples