U.S. military bases bearing the names of Confederate generals, in an echo of societal upheaval over race and racism, would be renamed under the $741 billion defense authorization measure the House Armed Services Committee approved last night. The annual defense authorization measure reflects a unique time in U.S. society shaken by the coronavirus pandemic and unrest over racial inequalities. It sets up a clash with Trump, who opposes renaming military bases.
“We have to come to terms with our history and understand why this was done and what that represents to a lot of people and correct that,” Adam Smith (D-Wash.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said about Confederate base names. “This is clear cut, this should not be. This does not have a place and the downside far outweighs any upside of maintaining them.”
The panel adopted the defense measure by a vote of 56-0. The bill authorizes paying U.S. troops in harm’s way, elevating it to must-pass legislation. The measure has become law 59 years in a row.
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