Defense Bill would Authorize Trump’s Military Parade

What’s the story?

• House Republicans have included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would fund President Donald Trump's long-desired military parade through the streets of Washington, D.C.

What does the NDAA say?

• According to a summary released by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), the NDAA includes language to provide funds for a parade to:

 “Honor and celebrate 100 years of patriotic sacrifice in a way that expresses appreciation and admiration for our men and women in uniform, including a parade in the nation's capital and a national celebration for that purpose.”

When would the parade be held?

• The Dept. of Defense released a memo in March saying that the parade would be held on November 11, 2018, the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

What will the parade include?

• A summary from House Armed Services Committee Democrats said the bill “authorizes the Defense secretary to use any kind of motorized vehicle, aviation platform, munition, operational military unit or operational military platform, unless he believes its use will affect its readiness.”
• The NDAA “prohibits the use of operational units or equipment in the parade if the secretary of Defense believes such use will hamper readiness.”

What do committee Republicans have to say to those who oppose the parade?

• “For too long our men and women in uniform have been victims of political discord,” the GOP committee members wrote in their summary. “Honoring those who have served our nation over the past 100 years, including those who served in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, should not be a political matter.”

“Veterans of those conflicts did not let politics stand in the way of their service to the country. No political interest or concern should stand in the way of expressing the country’s gratitude and respect.”

What do you think?

Do you support the inclusion of funds in the NDAA for a military parade? Is the proposed parade an opportunity to honor military men and women and celebrate the might of the U.S. armed forces? Or is it money - and patriotism - better spent elsewhere? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY19
• White House Planning First Military Parade In 27 Years

(Photo Credit: wingedwolf / istock)