Navy pilot turned politician disputes with Virginia Republican on delayed defense bill.
Freshman Rep. Jen Kiggans Engages in Heated Debate Over Defense Funding
During a recent House floor vote series, freshman Representative Jen Kiggans, a former Navy pilot, found herself in a passionate discussion with fellow Republican and Freedom Caucus member, Rep. Bob Good. The topic of contention? The annual defense appropriations bill, which provides crucial funding for the military.
Kiggans, who has made military and defense her top priority, expressed her frustration to Good and other conservative members who were blocking the rule on the Department of Defense appropriations bill. She emphasized the importance of funding our service members and questioned why the Virginia delegation wasn’t united on this issue.
“So you know, what do you want me to tell them? Because the priority of funding our service members, there’s nothing more important, right? There’s nothing more important that we should be funding. That’s literally the role of the federal government.”
While Good explained that the Freedom Caucus’s stance was not directly related to the defense spending bill itself, but rather a demand for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to commit to a top-line spending number, Kiggans remained steadfast in her belief that Congress should allocate more funds for defense. She found it frustrating that her fellow Republicans were blocking the bill from even receiving a vote.
“How dare you hold that up? Those are my kids, right? My son is in flight school. I think of my son. I think of my other children, the so many people in my district, so it’s so frustrating for me that I have people in my own party that are not funding the Department of Defense.”
Kiggans urged Good to consider the message their actions were sending to the world, emphasizing the importance of supporting the military in the face of global threats. However, she was further frustrated when Good claimed to agree with funding the Department of Defense, despite his role in obstructing the bill.
“Then don’t hold it up. Don’t do what you’re doing.”
As of now, there has been no response from Good’s spokesperson regarding the matter.
Read more from the Washington Examiner:
What is the main goal of the national security strategy?
Our strategy is rooted in our national interests: to protect the security of the American people; to expand economic prosperity and opportunity; and to realize and defend the democratic values at the heart of the American way of life. Ry and national security one of her key priorities in Congress, was adamant about the need for robust funding to maintain the readiness and capabilities of the armed forces. She argued that in this age of increasing global threats, the U.S. cannot afford to undermine its defense capabilities by slashing funding or diverting resources to other areas.
On the other hand, Good, known for his staunch fiscal conservatism, raised concerns about the country’s ballooning national debt and the need for fiscal responsibility. He argued that while he recognized the importance of a strong military, there was also a need to balance it with responsible spending and ensure that taxpayers’ money was being used judiciously.
The debate between Kiggans and Good was characterized by a clash of ideologies and perspectives. Kiggans emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong national defense to protect American interests and ensure global stability. As a former Navy pilot, she drew on her own experiences to highlight the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform and argued that they deserved adequate resources and support.
On the other hand, Good contended that fiscal responsibility should always be a priority, and that Congress should not pass a blank check for defense spending without scrutinizing the allocation of funds. He stressed the need for reform and efficiency to ensure that every dollar spent was justified and utilized effectively.
The heated exchange between Kiggans and Good exemplified the challenge faced by lawmakers when it comes to budgetary decisions, particularly in the realm of defense funding. It is a delicate balancing act, where the nation’s security must be weighed against fiscal prudence.
While both lawmakers held strong convictions, it is important for them and their colleagues to find common ground and work towards a compromise that meets the needs of the military while also addressing concerns about fiscal responsibility. This means carefully evaluating and prioritizing the defense budget, eliminating wasteful spending, and streamlining procurement processes.
In conclusion, the passionate debate between freshman Representative Jen Kiggans and Rep. Bob Good highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of defense funding. It underscores the challenges faced by lawmakers as they grapple with the difficult task of allocating resources for a strong and capable military while also considering fiscal responsibility. It is essential for legislators from both sides of the aisle to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground to ensure that the defense budget serves the best interests of the country.
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