Home Trump threatening to veto defense bill over Confederate military base names
Region

Trump threatening to veto defense bill over Confederate military base names

Chris Graham
congress
(© W. Scott McGill – stock.adobe.com)

President Trump is threatening to veto the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act over a provision requiring the military to rename bases named for Confederate military leaders.

Sounds like the adult thing to do on your way out the door.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) is a cosponsor of the Confederate Monument Removal Act, which would remove statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.

He’s also the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Warner, naturally, has some pointed thoughts to share on Trump’s latest round of childishness.

“Ongoing reports that President Trump is holding up negotiations on our annual defense bill because of his objections to the renaming of Confederate bases is frankly absurd and downright dangerous,” Warner said. “The defense bill is critical to U.S. national security, authorizing millions for military construction projects, shipbuilding, technology and innovation investments, a pay raise for our servicemembers and many other critical defense priorities. Delays in its passage undermine mission readiness and stability for our servicemembers as they tackle our national security challenges.”

Warner’s Improving Laundering Laws and Increasing Comprehensive Information Tracking of Criminal Activity in Shell Holdings (ILLICIT CASH) Act is included in this year’s defense bill. The bipartisan ILLICIT CASH Act seeks to improve corporate transparency, strengthen national security, and help law enforcement combat illicit financial activity being carried out by terrorists, drug and human traffickers, and other criminals.

“In the midst of a presidential transition, a global pandemic and growing global threats, the President should not be playing politics with our defense bill. The stakes are just too high,” Warner said.

It continues to boggle the mind that people need to point these kinds of things out.

Story by Chris Graham

 

Featured Video

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

Latest News

ben cline beth macy cartoon
Politics, Region

David Colton | Ben Cline is lying to you about what universal health care is

two faces of ben cline
Politics, Region

Tracy Pyles | The two sides of Ben Cline running on the campaign TV airwaves

Two opposing messages, from our congressman, Ben Cline, have been filling our airwaves of late. On one he is talking about the “crazies” in Washington; on the other he is shown supporting the zaniest of Washington-style ideas. 

Porch Light
Arts & Culture, Region

Charlottesville: Minneapolis-based Porch Light playing The Southern on Oct. 30

The Minneapolis-based indie rock band Porch Light will be coming through Charlottesville, at The Southern Café and Music Hall, on Friday, Oct. 30.

Rocktoberfest
Arts & Culture, Local

Alpine Goat Brewery hosting fundraising Rocktoberfest on Halloween

ACC Network
Football, Go 'Hoos

Media Beat: ACC Network gave Solomon Beebe kid gloves treatment

daniel sparks uva football
Football, Go 'Hoos

ACC Football Players of the Week: Virginia’s best player, again, is the punter

how lenders evaluate mortgage applicants
Local

Waynesboro: Developer completes financing for 96-unit affordable housing project