National Guard can still sponsor NASCAR, pro wrestling after defeat of McCollum amendment
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An amendment to cut off government spending on sponsorships of NASCAR and pro wrestling events sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum, DFL-Minn., fell short in the U.S. House on Friday.
McCollum, who sits on the powerful appropriations committee, has been trying to highlight Pentagon spending she considers wasteful.
Her biggest target: money the National Guard spends on pro sports sponsorships which the Guard says helps with recruiting.
"The fact that $53 million in taxpayers' funds is going to sponsor some of the most violent and sexist entertainment on television and NASCAR racing teams that results in zero recruits is a waste of money," McCollum said.
The amendment was defeated by a wide margin.
Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., represents a district with a big NASCAR track.
"We would be stealing from our nation's military and hard-working taxpayers if this amendment were to pass," Hudson said.
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