U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Tx.), who said Air Force celebrations of homosexual pride month are a “ridiculous use of taxpayer dollars,” is calling for Republicans to vote against a military funding bill.
On May 3, the Department of the Air Force released a memo approving “Pride Month as a Special Observance” and empowering installation commanders to conduct activities in honor of the observance.
“Each June, the Department of the Air Force recognizes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month,” the memo said. “During this time, we celebrate the progress we have made towards inclusivity, commemorate the contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans, and recognize the obstacles they have faced and overcome along the way.”
In a statement provided to Fox News, Roy criticized the Defense Department for its use of taxpayer dollars in funding the celebration of pride month.
“What’s next, rainbow uniforms during pride month?” Roy said in the statement. “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].”
Last year’s National Defense Authorization Act was over $845 billion, with $800 million going to Ukraine for military assistance.
