WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement following the inclusion of hate crime legislation in the 2009 Defense Authorization Bill.

"Today, Speaker Pelosi’s House reached a new low by holding critical funding for the men and women serving overseas hostage to a far-left social agenda that can’t stand on its own merit. Even with huge Democratic majorities in both chambers of Congress and control of the White House, extremist hate crime legislation couldn’t find enough support to pass on its own. There’s never justification to play political games that put a narrow social agenda ahead of our troops morale, which is already suffering from a lack of direction from Washington, D.C."

Rehberg has voted against hate crime legislation four time since 2005. In response to this tactic, Rehberg sent the following letter to Speaker Pelosi:

Dear Madam Speaker:

I write today to express my strong opposition to the "hate crimes" provisions that was attached to H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report for Fiscal Year 2010.

I take very seriously the responsibility to ensure the men and women who volunteer to serve in our Armed Forces have the resources they need to defend this nation. Using our troops to pass divisive social policy does a profound disservice to them, this institution, and the constituents we serve.

My objection to the federal criminalization of "hate crimes" is well-known because I have had the opportunity to air it as part of the regular legislative process. That is how this legislation should continue to be considered, not on the backs of members of our Armed Forces. They – and their families – deserve better.

House Republicans believe that all violent crimes are unacceptable, regardless of the status of the victims, and should be firmly punished. Although this legislation purports to assist state and local efforts to enforce existing laws, it represents a thinly veiled attack on federalism.

What's more, I cannot help but note that these provisions violate our nation's founding principles, which the members of our Armed Forces put their lives on the line every day to protect. It is these same principles each of us has sworn an oath to uphold.

Sincerely,