自越南戰爭以來，因為美國年輕人不想加入曾經值得信賴的機構，但該機構已變得過度政治化且過度關注 DEI 計劃。
“這項立法中提出的改革將在我們的隊伍中恢複擇優文化，審核不必要的政治性 DEI 計劃，並要求針對以綠色能源為重點的提案提供成本效益分析報告。”
Moment Rep. Mike Waltz holds up a $90,000 bag of insulator joints as stumped USAF Secretary admits he has NO IDEA such basic parts cost that much for taxpayers
US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall suffered an awkward moment in Congress as he was stumped over a question about military overspending.
The military leader was questioned by Florida Congressman Mike Waltz over the 'exorbitant' amounts spent on regular inexpensive items, using a bag of bushings as an example.
Despite the small bag of electrical bolts costing average Americans around $100, Waltz said the military forks out $90,000 a bag.
'This is literally driving us out of business,' he said. 'The interest on our debt alone is now exceeding, for the first time in American history, the entire defense budget.'
Florida Congressman Mike Waltz slammed US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall over military overspending, using a $90,000 bag of bushings as an example
Kendall was stumped when quizzed over the 'exorbitant' spending, particularly as the DOD sources commercial parts directly from factories
Waltz began his grilling of the Air Force secretary by holding up the small bag of bushings, which only contained a handful of bolts.
'This, Mr. Secretary, is a bag of bushings,' he began. 'This bag of bushings, stamped out by machines, don't need a high school diploma, nothing high tech about this, all of this bag is compliant with the FAA specifications.
'How much do you think the Air Force pays for this bag of bushings?'
Kendall responded that he 'didn't know', leading Waltz to quickly clarify: '$90,000.'
Waving the small bag in the air, the exacerbated representative continued: 'This is a $90,000 bag of bushings, that you need for any jet turbine engine.'
Bushings are essential components of engines, and the small rotating parts are typically placed between joint mounts for vibration absorption, rotation support and thermal resistance.
Branding the cost 'exorbitant', Waltz noted that the Department of Defense sources all commercial parts directly from original equipment manufacturers, meaning they should be cheaper than off-the-shelf items.
However, while everyday Americans can expect to pay roughly $100 for the bag of bushings, Waltz questioned why the taxpayers were footing the bill for the huge markup.
'This is literally driving us out of business,' he said. 'The interest on our debt alone is now exceeding, for the first time in American history, the entire defense budget.'
Waltz's remarks sparked backlash towards the military after it circulated on social media, with viewers feeling it is 'pretty insane how the taxpayer is ripped off by the MIC (military industrial complex).'
'A $90,000 bag of bushings courtesy of the DOD,' commented another. 'Typical American government waste and fraud.'
Another said: '$90,000 for a small bag of “bushings.” Should be like $90!
'Privatization just means private contractors fleece the US government! Of course, some of this money cycles back into the pockets of politicians.'
It is not the first time that Waltz has slammed military leaders, after previously introducing legislation to audit the military's DEI policies that he argued were 'harming our military readiness.'
Last June, the congressman, a Green Beret veteran, introduced the WARRIOR Act to combat what he perceived as left-wing ideology infiltrating the military.
Waltz said the military overspending is 'literally driving us out of business', noting that 'the interest on our debt alone is now exceeding, for the first time in American history, the entire defense budget'
Alongside ending DEI, Waltz also lobbied against critical race theory being taught in military academies, and hoped to launch an investigation into the effect of Covid-19 vaccines on troops.
'Under the Biden Administration, the Pentagon has diverted its focus from lethality and have instead pushed initiatives that have politicized our warfighting ranks and harmed our military readiness,' Waltz said at the time.
'Our military faces the worst recruiting crisis since the Vietnam War because young Americans don’t want to join what was once a trusted institution that has become overly politicized and hyper-focused on DEI initiatives.
'The reforms proposed in this legislation will restore a merit-based culture to our ranks, audit unnecessary and political DEI programs, and require cost-benefit analysis reports for green-energy-focused proposals.'
Waltz Leads Letter Pressing Air Force on General’s Political Comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-6), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Pat Fallon (TX-4) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall expressing their deep concern with a speech given by U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General DeAnna Burt, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear, at a Pentagon Pride event earlier this month.
During her remarks, Lt. Gen. Burt stated, while in uniform, that: “Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level. That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole. When I look at potential candidates, say, for squadron command, I strive to match the right person to the right job. I consider their job performance and relevant experience first. However, I also look at their personal circumstances, and their family is also an important factor,”
She continued, “If the good match for a job does not feel safe being themselves and performing at their highest potential at a given location, or if their family could be denied critical health care due to the laws in that state, I am compelled to consider a different candidate, and, perhaps, less qualified.”
These remarks refer to state legislatures which are protecting children by preventing their exposure to sexual material in schools and barring gender transition operations for minors. Lt. Gen. Burt’s speech, again conducted publicly and uniform, inappropriately commented on laws passed by elected officials reflected the views of their constituents and raises serious concerns about civilian oversight of the military.
Read the full letter below:
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am writing to express my deep concern with a speech given by U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General DeAnna Burt at a Pentagon Pride event on June 7, 2023. Lt. Gen. Burt currently serves as the Space Force’s Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear, making her one of the most important officials in an organization that is vital to the national security of the United States.
At this event, Lt. Gen. Burt said, while in uniform, that she would base promotion and posting decisions on an officer’s sexuality and not their ability to effectively do their assigned job. “Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level. That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole,” she said. “When I look at potential candidates, say, for squadron command, I strive to match the right person to the right job. I consider their job performance and relevant experience first. However, I also look at their personal circumstances, and their family is also an important factor,” Lt. Gen. Burt continued. “If the good match for a job does not feel safe being themselves and performing at their highest potential at a given location, or if their family could be denied critical health care due to the laws in that state, I am compelled to consider a different candidate, and, perhaps, less qualified.”
By reasonable inference, Lt. Gen. Burt is referring to state legislatures like Florida, which are protecting children by preventing their exposure to sexual material in schools and barring gender-transition operations for minors. Lt. Gen. Burt’s speech, again conducted publicly and in uniform, inappropriately commented on laws passed by elected officials reflected the views of their constituents and raises serious concerns about civilian oversight of the military.
The Space Force must clarify this policy change alleged by one of its most senior leaders. Among other issues, it could have enormous impact on operations and readiness. As you know, Florida is home to Patrick Space Force Base (SFB) and an estimated 13,000 military, civilians, contractors, and dependents associated with the base and its mission. Patrick SFB houses Space Launch Delta 45, which controls and operates Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the Eastern Range, a vital task.
Additionally, the Air Force recently decided to base the Space Training and Readiness
Command (STARCOM) at Patrick SFB in Florida. STARCOM plays a critical role in our national security and is responsible for educating and training Guardians, developing the Space Force’s doctrine and tactics, and testing Space Force capabilities. The basing decision is expected to bring more than 350 personnel to STARCOM once it reaches full operational capability.
If posting and promotion decisions for Patrick SFB and STARCOM are determined based on political concerns over state law, and the Space Force is posting less qualified officers to Patrick SFB, that would be an egregious dereliction of the Defense Department’s primary responsibility to ensure the Armed Forces are ready to deter and if necessary, defeat our adversaries.
In light of Lt. Gen. Burt’s comments, I request answers to the following questions.
• Do you agree with Lt. Gen Burt’s decision to intentionally promote less qualified Guardians?
• What is the impact to the Space Force when senior leadership intentionally promotes and stations less qualified candidates based on progressive ideology?
• Would the Space Force extend the same courtesy to Guardians who may be concerned about their Second Amendment rights and their ability to protect their family near a high crime city like Chicago, which also has restrictive gun laws? Would it similarly locate servicemembers away from localities expressing their religious freedom like the Muslim-majority city of Hamtramck, MI, that voted not to fly pride flags on government buildings? I hope it is apparent to you from these questions the slippery slope of political issues the Department should avoid when making personnel decisions.
• What is the Space Force’s policy on uniformed officers commenting on laws passed by duly elected legislatures at the federal, state or local level? Lt. Gen Burt’s comments seem to reflect a policy change with enormous implications for civil-military relations.
Our nation faces an existential threat from the Chinese Communist Party, which views space as a domain of war and a place to build an asymmetrical advantage against the United States. This challenge is too important to allow general officer political views to impact military personnel decisions. I look forward to your prompt reply to these important questions.
Waltz said the military overspending is 'literally driving us out of business', noting that 'the interest on our debt alone is now exceeding, for the first time in American history, the entire defense budget' 
