GOP blocks Democratic effort to combat Pentagon renaming of USNS Harvey Milk 
Share this @internewscast.com


Senate Republicans blocked an effort by Democrats Thursday to oppose Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s order to strip Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy oil ship.

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on Thursday attempted to pass a resolution via unanimous consent that objected to the Pentagon’s directive to rename the ship but was blocked by Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.). 

Milk, a gay rights activist, was a Navy lieutenant who served during the Korean War and in 1977 became the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. He was assassinated a year later.

“The Navy has seen fit to honor these civil rights icons – who spent their lives fighting for the rights of the American people – by naming ships in their honor. We learned this week, however, that the secretary of Defense does not share the view that these leaders are worthy of the honor of recognition that the Navy has bestowed upon them,” Schiff said on the floor. 

“Today I offer a simple resolution,” Schiff said. “It says that the Senate believes that it is important and worthwhile to honor civil rights leaders by naming ships after them, and it expresses the Senate’s view that the Department of Defense should not seek to remove these names.”

Milk was forced to resign from the Navy and receive an other than honorable discharge. That was in place of a court-martial for being gay, which was a crime in the service at the time. 

Budd pointed to “Naval custom and tradition” as a reason for his objection to Schiff’s push.

“Navy tradition, like the name of a ship, lives in the hearts and minds of every sailor, and these traditions are vital to preserving the moral and fighting spirit of our forces. Resetting the stage is not a political issue,” he said. “It’s bringing things back in line with Naval custom and tradition.” 

“It will allow the Secretary of the Navy to consider the input of new ship plank owners so he can name this class of ships after the things that matter most to America’s sailors.”

The decision by the Pentagon came at the start of Pride Month, with Schiff noting that he suspects the timing is “no coincidence.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Local Champaign County Restaurant Hit with Over 10 Health Violations, Receives Yellow Notice

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Following a recent health inspection, a restaurant in…

Army Soldier Receives 23-Year Prison Sentence for the Heinous Murder of His Pregnant Wife

This article may contain disturbing images or details. Reader discretion is advised.…

Banana Ball Scheduled to Air on WSAV CW This July

BURBANK, CA. () – The Savannah Bananas will make their broadcast television debut…

Sinaloa Cartel’s Heist: Targeting US Rail Freight

PHOENIX (Border Report) – As the migrant flow dries up and fentanyl…

Could Trump Potentially Grant a Pardon to Diddy? A Look at Other Celebrities He’s Pardoned

Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that…

Debating Federal and State Authority in Trump’s Election Overhaul Executive Order Hearing

BOSTON – On Friday, Democratic state attorneys general intend to challenge President…

Report: Trump and Musk Set to Discuss Ongoing Public Dispute

() President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are expected to speak Friday…

Chinese Researcher Undergoes Hearing Following FBI Seizure of Pathogen

() A detention hearing was postponed on Thursday for Yunqing Jian, a…

Kelly Loeffler Highlights SBA’s Role in Supporting Businesses with Loans Amid Trade War

() The head of the Small Business Administration on Wednesday pushed back…

Ex-GCMS Teacher and Coach Arrested on Six Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Charges

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Robert Dinkins, a former employee of the…

As Tensions Rise, Trump Suggests Government Might Reduce Contracts and Subsidies for Musk’s Companies

President Donald Trump has escalated his sudden rupture with Elon Musk by…

Michelle Obama Supports Malia’s Decision to Omit Her Surname from Film Credits

() Former first lady Michelle Obama reportedly said she and Barack Obama…