Minnesota Representatives Erik Paulsen, John Kline and Michele Bachmann have all commented on their recent vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2647). This is the bill that is used each year for appropriating funds for our military. This year, leaders in the House took the unprecedented step of attaching a “hate crimes” provision to the bill. This action resulted in considerable consternation, especially amongst Republicans, as to whether members of Congress should vote in favor of the legislation.

Representative Erik Paulson was the only Republican from the Minnesota delegation to vote in favor of the bill. In a letter addressed to Minnesota Majority, he offered an explanation for his vote.

Representative John Kline voted against the bill. This was the first time that Kline, a former Marine, has ever voted against a defense authorization bill.  In a press release issued last week, he offered this explanation for his vote.

Representative Michele Bachmann also voted against the bill.  Her reasons for doing so can be found here.

There’s no doubt this was a tough vote for many members of Congress. But that’s the job we have elected them to do. Review the explanations offered by these three members of Congress and decide for yourself who made the right decision.