Pelosi Statement on Provision Targeting LGBT Americans in Defense Authorization Bill

May 18, 2016

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Republicans on the House Rules Committee refused to make in order a bipartisan amendment that would strike an anti-LGBT provision included in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act:

"It is simply stunning that House Republicans have decided to make targeting LGBT Americans a priority in the Defense Authorization bill. The overly broad Russell amendment, added by Republicans in a dead of night committee mark-up, would have the effect of overturning President Obama's historic executive order protecting LGBT workers in federal contracts, therefore enabling discrimination with taxpayer funds.

"The Defense Authorization bill should be about making our country safe, and honoring the oath we take to protect and defend the American people. It should not be a place where the most extreme elements of the Republican Conference are allowed to codify hatred and intolerance against Americans based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I am deeply disappointed that the Rules Committee did not allow a vote on the bipartisan Dent amendment. Speaker Ryan's pledges of regular order, transparency and openness continue to ring more hollow each and every day. Democrats will continue to insist that this provision be removed from the Defense Authorization bill."