WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today co-sponsored the PARADE Act, whose acronym spells out “Prohibit Allocation of Resources for Absurd Defense Expenditures,” an example of which would be President Trump’s wasteful proposal to conduct a military parade, and made the following statement:

“America’s greatness is not shown by displays of its military power; it’s shown through respect for the rule of law, for scientific contributions benefiting all mankind, and in our heritage of welcoming ‘the teeming masses yearning to breathe free.’

“We use our military force as an instrument for advancing our ideals, not to intimidate as showy tyrants and autocrats do. As Vice President Joe Biden has said, ‘We lead not only by the example of our power but by the power of our example.’ President Trump’s proposal of a military parade reflects a testosterone-driven need for self-aggrandizement. The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade of yachts in the Intracoastal Waterway off Mar-a-Lago should be sufficient.”



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