Congressman Patrick McHenry released the following statement regarding his vote against the hate crimes legislation included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The version of NDAA that passed the House, which Congressman McHenry voted in favor of, did not include the politically-motivated hate crimes legislation.  However, Democratic leadership inserted the language just prior to today’s final vote.

“This is Washington politics at its worst.  Playing politics with defense authorization is downright immoral.  Every American, without conditions, is protected by our nation’s laws.  We do not create special categories of people and give them more or less protection under the law.  The so-called hate crimes legislation is really about criminalizing thought and targeting religious organizations for prosecution.  As a violation of the First Amendment, this legislation is unconstitutional.

"With this bill, Speaker Pelosi has made her priorities crystal clear: politics first, defense second.  I applaud those moderate Democrats who stood up to the radical liberals who run their party and voted against one of the most cynical pieces of legislation to come before the House in a long time.”

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