WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul says he voted against a major defense policy bill because it had “social policy legislation” attached.

McCaul, ranking member of the Homeland Security Intelligence Subcommittee, said it was unprecedented to attach social policy legislation to a DOD (Department of Defense) authorization bill.

The House adopted the $680 billion measure by a 281-146 vote. The annual defense authorization bill would guide the Pentagon budget for the fiscal year that began last week.

McCaul was among Republicans irate that “hate crimes” legislation was attached to the bill. It would give people attacked because of their sexual orientation or gender federal protections and significantly expands the reach of hate crimes law.

The measure also would make it easier for federal prosecutors to step in when state or local authorities are unable or unwilling to pursue hate crimes.

“This social agenda has nothing to do with the military,” said McCaul, whose district includes Washington County. “The Democrats’ inclusion of hate crimes language is pure exploitation of our soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen.

“It is an insult to men and women who risk their lives on the battlefield defending our freedoms and it has no place in a defense authorization bill that gives pay raises to our troops, keeps their healthcare costs from rising and makes more resources available for combat.

“The hate crimes legislation wrongly inserted in this bill places a higher value on crimes committed against individuals even perceived to be gays or lesbians. As a former prosecutor I am opposed to elevating anyone’s status under the law.

“Since I entered Congress I am proud that I have consistently voted to put every available resource into the hands of our military. But I will not vote to allow our troops to be used as pawns to bait Republicans into voting for a key piece of the liberal agenda Democrats otherwise would not have the votes to poss.

“Mine is one principled Republican vote they didn’t get.”

McCaul tried to have hate crimes language removed from the conference report, signing a letter (attached) to President Obama saying he would have voted in favor of the bill had the hate crimes language not been included.

John Brieden of Brenham, a veterans’ advocate who has held numerous veterans’ leadership posts, including serving as national commander of the American Legion in 2003-04, said he supports McCaul’s “no” vote.

“An astute observer has to understand people attach bad things to good bills,” said Brieden. “On a consistent basis Congressman McCaul has supported the troops and the DOD budget and pay raises and I support his vote today.”