Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement as House Democrats prepared to bring a bill for a final vote that ties a completely unrelated and unconstitutional “Hate Crimes” bill to the annual defense authorization package. This military bill is traditionally free from political manipulation and typically passes in bipartisan fashion.

“Today, Democrats have taken their partisan disgracefulness to a new level,” said Congressman Price. “Our military deserves the resources provided in this legislation. Our troops deserve the benefits that are included in this bill. And our troops absolutely deserve a pay increase. But our troops also deserve better than to be treated as pack mules to carry the load for a despicable and unconstitutional bill that penalizes thought and places a premium on some classes of individuals over others. The path Democrats have chosen to jam this shameful bill into law can only be described as immoral. This travesty demonstrates that Democrat leaders view our military more as a political tool than as a group of brave and noble warriors who sacrifice dearly to keep us safe.

“No American should be more protected from violent crime than another. All violent crimes demonstrate hate and all should be fully prosecuted. Justice should be blind, but Democrats have rejected the credo of our Founders that all people are created equal. This legislation will eventually invite the prosecution of Americans for their thoughts and religious beliefs, basic provinces protected by the First Amendment. Today, all Americans should recognize the shameful manner in which Democrats handle the matters of our military and how little they care about the Constitution and equal justice. This is a sad day in our nation’s proud history.”