During a U.S. House debate on July 13, Arizona Republican Rep. Eli Crane used a slur while advocating for his amendment to the Department of the Defense bill.
The amendment would ban certain diversity, equity and inclusion practices in the military.
“My amendment has nothing to do with whether or not ‘colored people’ or Black people or anybody can serve, OK?” Crane said.
Crane faced immediate criticism from Democratic colleagues, who just minutes before said the amendment would do more harm than good.
“Mr. Speaker,” Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) interjected. “I am asking for unanimous consent to take down the words of referring to me or any of my colleagues as ‘colored people.’”
The amendment did pass, and members also voted unanimously to have Crane’s slur stricken from the record.
The defense bill passed the House on July 14.
