Playing Politics with Our Troops

Statement

This week Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats attempted to use the annual Defense Authorization bill, which funds our troops in harm's way, as the vehicle to push through extra measures in a last-minute legislative scramble before Election Day. One of the reasons I voted against the procedural motion was that I intended to offer my VA hospital amendment to the bill, but the Majority Leader had made clear that I and other Senators would not have an opportunity to call up our amendments for consideration. Much to my disappointment, Sen. Reid would not allow an open debate on the bill that already included provisions requiring military hospitals to provide abortions on demand and the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"--two provisions I oppose. Democrats had said that they intended to offer the DREAM Act as an amendment to the bill as well. I have no doubt that Texans -- especially those that respect the sanctity of life, the troops that sacrifice so much to protect our freedom, and those of us committed to addressing our broken immigration system with credible reform -- will see these cynical tactics for what they truly are, a desperate political ploy.

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