This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.
What exactly are we defending? What remains of the United States worth protecting?
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) gave an extended speech on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, during which he stated that the U.S. is no longer worth defending, citing a friend’s child’s transgender music teacher as a reason. He began his remarks by recognizing the significance of September 11 before transitioning to criticisms of immigrants.
“It serves as a reminder of the consequences of leaving your country vulnerable to attacks,” he stated before providing examples of immigrants involved in criminal activities. Roy expressed his support for mass deportations in response to these crimes, despite data indicating that immigrants are less likely to commit offenses than those born in the U.S.
In the midst of his speech, Roy launched into a tirade about what he considered wasteful government spending, labeling defense expenditures as unnecessary because, in his view, the U.S. isn’t worth defending anymore.
“In this town, we can’t effectively advocate for you, the American people, to ensure a secure border, safe communities, and an economy that isn’t devastated by reckless government spending,” Roy exclaimed. “And you want to know why? In the name of defense, they tell me every year that if I don’t support these inflated spending bills, we won’t get a new submarine or carrier.”
“What exactly are we trying to defend? What is left of the United States to protect? A school where I can’t send my child to pray without paying $20,000 a year on top of my taxes?” he questioned, referring to the private school he chooses for his child, despite the fact that students are permitted to pray in public schools, according to the Department of Education.
“A school where my friend’s sixth grader has a transgender music teacher asking students to participate in a dance class? Yes, that’s a true story,” he emphasized, as if it were shocking that sixth graders would be dancing in music class. “Is that what we’re defending with carriers, missiles, and endless wars?”
This isn’t the first instance in which Roy has claimed that the U.S. shouldn’t be defended due to LGBTQ+ individuals. Last year, he pointed to a Pride event at a U.S. Air Force Base in Georgia as a rationale for opposing military funding.
“What’s next, rainbow uniforms during Pride Month?” Roy questioned at the time. “The Air Force and Defense Department endorse this absurd use of taxpayer dollars and then expect members of Congress—who represent Americans outraged by this—to approve an $800 billion-plus budget for the Department of Defense (DOD). If the DOD doesn’t put an end to these divisive and frankly embarrassing events, Republicans should withdraw their support for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.”
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