What do drag shows and Latino museums have to do with roads and parks?
politico.comThree of the 12 bills moving through the House appropriations process in recent months took aim at drag shows. | Kristen Norman/AP Photo By Irie Sentner 07/25/2023 04:30 AM EDT Link CopiedPartisan culture wars are boiling over on House spending bills touching on even the most mundane agencies — complicating Congress’ efforts to keep the government operating past September.Republican policy riders seeking to limit diversity efforts, drag shows, Pride flag displays and promotion of critical race theory are rife throughout the House’s dozen proposed annual spending bills, including those that would fund the national parks, pay for roads or maintain U.S.
embassies abroad.The cascade of social issues turning up in the must-pass bills is noteworthy for how it’s pervaded this year’s appropriations process — and for how the GOP concerns have spread far beyond top-tier conservative causes such as limiting abortions and gender-affirming care.And liberal groups are keeping score: Of the 12 bills moving through the House appropriations process in recent months, policy riders targeting agency diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have appeared in 11, according to tracking from Human Rights Campaign.
Language seeking to ban “discrimination” against people who do not believe in gay marriage appeared in 10. Eight sought to block funding for Pride flags and gender inclusive care.
Three took aim at drag shows.The bill that would fund the Interior Department, including the national parks, would prohibit spending on “eco-grief counseling” and critical race theory, and would prohibit any non-“official” flags from flying over the department’s buildings — a response to GOP complaints about Pride flags.
