A spirited debate in Congress on Wednesday could foreshadow the demise of an amendment intended to ban military sports sponsorship.
By Stew Milne, US Presswire
Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga, introduced an amendment that would eliminate $72.3 million in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act marked for professional sports sponsorships in the military.
Among the programs targeted was the National Guard's sponsorship of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in NASCAR. The National Guard is spending $26 million on its NASCAR program this fiscal year.
Kingston called such programs ineffective in gaining recruits. He also noted the demographic of NASCAR fans featured 69% who were 35 and older, saying, "So when (the National Guard) goes and they're pushing their advertising at NASCAR, nearly 70% of the people aren't eligible.''
NASCAR stated that 10% of its fans are between the ages of 18-24 and that 17% are between 25-34.
Rep. Betty McCollum, co-sponsor of the amendment, said: "I think it will be just irresponsible and outrageous that Congress would continue to borrow money from China to pay for one race car driver's team.''
Seven representatives spoke to oppose the measure, deriding Congress's micro-managing on how the military seeks recruits.
Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-NC, said: "Let's face it, when we start micro-managing advertising programs to try to recruit National Guard members, we've sort of slipped into the absurd.''
Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., also spoke against the measure.
"A vote for this amendment is a vote against the effectiveness of our military,'' he said.
McCollum offered two similar amendments last year; both were defeated.
An amendment existed in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act but it was struck Wednesday night without a vote through procedural rules.
See photos of: Congress, Dale Earnhardt Jr
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