Hoyer Statement on House Republicans' Refusal to Allow a Vote to Strike Anti-LGBT Provision from Defense Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after Republicans on the Rules Committee refused to allow a vote on an amendment to strike an anti-LGBT provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017:

“I am outraged that Republicans on the Rules Committee chose not to allow a vote on an amendment to strike the anti-LGBT provision in House Republicans' National Defense Authorization Act.  The anti-LGBT language added by Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee during markup of the defense bill, which would overturn the President’s executive order barring discrimination against LGBT employees by federal contractors, should not remain in the bill.  We must not allow those working on taxpayer-funded contracts to be fired or discriminated against in the workplace simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

“Congress owes it to LGBT workers and their families to ensure that they are equally protected by our laws and not singled out for mistreatment.  When Republicans in Congress take actions that signal otherwise, it emboldens those who would bully, harass, and discriminate.  I will continue to oppose efforts to undo the Administration’s anti-discrimination protections for LGBT individuals. That not even a vote was permitted is telling that House Republicans have completely abandoned any promises they have made to govern through regular order. I urge them to work with Democrats to strip this provision out of the defense authorization bill before it reaches the full House for a vote.”