"The House is currently considering the minibus, which would fund certain federal agencies in the next fiscal year. As a former Pentagon aide, I have opposed efforts to politicize national security policymaking since coming to Congress.
That’s why I introduced a bill to bar political operatives from serving on the National Security Council, and was proud when Steve Bannon was removed from the NSC. The minibus provides robust funding for the Defense Department—the same funding I voted to authorize as a member of the Armed Services Committee.
Sadly, House leadership has taken a strong bipartisan bill and contaminated it by adding a provision assigning $1.6 billion to construct a border wall. This provision is opposed by public officials from both parties who actually live along the Southwest border, and will do nothing to keep my constituents in central Florida safe. The money could be better spent to expand an underfunded counter-terrorism program that Orlando has been excluded from, or to enhance security at our air and sea ports.
In short, this funding should be used to give the American people real security, not politically motivated gimmicks."
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