The House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment Thursday backed by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., targeting the military's sponsorship of NASCAR races and other sporting events. The measure was added to a $608 billion defense bill headed for the House floor. McCollum garnered national headlines last year when she first offered the proposal, which ultimately failed. This time the measure was carried by Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., who said it will "send a signal" as the Pentagon wrestles with shrinking budgets. The measure passed on a voice vote. Some lawmakers argue that military NASCAR team sponsorships serve as a valuable recruiting tool. But critics say they're a logical place to look for budget cuts.
