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House Narrowly Defeats GOP Effort to Restore Confederate Monument, 230-192

Jun 14, 2024, 03:57 PM

A Republican-sponsored amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed at restoring a Confederate monument to Arlington National Cemetery was narrowly defeated in the House of Representatives. The vote, which took place on Thursday, saw 192 Republicans supporting the amendment, while 230 members, including 24 Republicans, voted against it. The monument in question features controversial elements, including a Black 'Mammy' holding a white soldier's baby and a slave following his master into battle. Critics argue that the monument glorifies slavery and perpetuates racial stereotypes. The amendment was introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), who faced significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. Notably, 89% of House Republicans voted in favor of the amendment. The defeat of the amendment has sparked a broader discussion about the legacy and representation of Confederate symbols in national spaces, including the so-called Reconciliation Monument.