Lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday that would begin the process of renaming the Army's 10 installations honoring Confederate generals -- despite President Donald Trump's opposition to the renaming.
The legislation was introduced by two veterans -- Reps. Anthony Brown, D-Md., and Don Bacon, R-Neb. -- to establish a process for renaming the installations within a year.
The bill would involve a newly-formed National Commission on Modernizing Military Installation Designations composed of individuals appointed by service secretaries as well as members of Congress. This commission would review and make recommendations for renaming any installations or department properties "which have designations not in line with the values of this country or the mission of the United States military."
“The symbols and individuals that our military honors matter. It matters to the Black soldier serving at an installation honoring the name of a leader who fought to preserve slavery and oppression. It matters to the culture of inclusivity and unity needed for our military to get the job done,” Brown said in a statement. “Removing these names will be another step in an honest accounting of our history and an expression that we continue to strive to form a more perfect union.”
Earlier this week, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper both said they would be "open to bi-partisan discussions" about finally renaming the installations -- but that was before Trump tweeted that he would "not even consider" renaming them.
"The United States of America trained and deployed our HEROES on these Hallowed Grounds, and won two World Wars. Therefore, my Administration will not even consider the renaming of these Magnificent and Fabled Military Installations ... Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with. Respect our Military!" Trump tweeted.
It is unclear where the renaming authority currently lies -- with Congressional lawmakers or with the military's presidential commander in chief. The Trump administration has said, however, that any version of the annual defense budget that includes provisions to rename these installations would be vetoed. The Senate Armed Services Committee included such provisions in their draft of the bill. Trump could hold billions in Defense spending hostage, including a 3-percent troop pay raise, should the final budget include stipulations he does not condone.
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