National Guard can still sponsor NASCAR, pro wrestling after defeat of McCollum amendment

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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