Ken Calvert: “I thank the gentlewoman for her comments, and I know that eventually we will work out our differences, but, yes, I…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for her comments, and I know that eventually we will work out our differences, but, yes, I admit, this bill prohibits funding for drag queen story hour for kids and drag queens in recruitment. I had to choose between building ships or those kinds of decisions. I chose the ships. With that, this debate going forward, I want to talk about the readiness of our military operations, building the necessary equipment to make sure that our men and women win any war that we may have to involve ourselves in. Hopefully none. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to this Defense Appropriations Bill. This bill is historically an opportunity to come together on a bipartisan basis to make investments that further American leadership around the world. protect our national security. support American workers and servicemembers. and promote global democracy. I come from a defense state. I have always been proud that this bill creates jobs in Connecticut and boosts my district's long- term economy. I have supported this critical legislation in the past. But l cannot support this bill, which harms our military readiness by undermining morale and failing to support our servicemembers with its divisive policy riders. Neither the Army.…”