Congressman Davis Rejects Democrats' Ploy To Use Our Troops As A Vehicle To Pass Unrelated And Controversial Hate Crimes Legislation

Press Release

Congressman Davis Rejects Democrats' Ploy To Use Our Troops As A Vehicle To Pass Unrelated And Controversial Hate Crimes Legislation

Today, Congressman Geoff Davis voted against the controversial "hate crimes" language included in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. The Conference Report passed the House by a vote of 281 to 146.

Congressman Davis stated, "The NDAA has traditionally been and should continue to be non-partisan legislation that is about technical defense policy, providing for our service men and women, and ensuring our national security. It is inappropriate and unnecessary to package social policy legislation into a bill intended to support those who dedicate their lives to defending our country.

"Defense policy and hate crimes are separate, unrelated issues that do not belong together. Hate crimes legislation should have been considered on its own merit, not carried on the backs of our troops.

"As a former enlisted soldier and West Point graduate, I am dedicated to supporting the needs of all our service men and women and will continue to fight for all who wear or have worn our uniform.

"Our troops deserve a clean bill that will provide them with the resources they need, along with a well-earned pay increase. However, I simply cannot support the Majority's blatant use of our troops as a political tool to coerce passage of contentious legislation."

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (H.R. 2647) passed the House on June 25, 2009, with a large bipartisan majority vote of 389 -- 22 (Roll Call Vote 460). Congressman Davis proudly cast his vote in favor of that version of this important legislation.

On July 23, 2009, the Senate passed hate crimes legislation as an amendment to S. 1390, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. The National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report resolves the differences between the House and Senate version.

On Tuesday, October 6th, House Republicans attempted to separate the controversial hate crimes provisions from the NDAA through a Motion to Instruct Conferees. Unfortunately, the motion was defeated by a vote of 178-234, (Roll Call Vote 754).

H.R. 2647 is the fifth National Defense Authorization Act to be considered since Congressman Davis was elected in 2004. As a former member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Davis has consistently supported this important legislation. For the last four years, NDAA legislation has passed with overwhelming bipartisan majorities.

Congress Legislation Vote Tally

109th Congress NDAA for FY2006 374 - 41 (Roll Call Vote 665)
NDAA for FY2007 398 - 23 (Roll Call Vote 510)

110th Congress NDAA for FY2008 369 - 46 (Roll Call Vote 11)
NDAA for FY2009 392 - 39 (Roll Call Vote 631)

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