Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) voted on Thursday against the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2017 (H.R. 5055), because the bill contained language that was offered by U.S. Rep. Sean Maloney (D-NY) that threatens the freedom of religious organizations involved in government contracting.

“This bill was about funding critical national security, infrastructure, and energy priorities in 2017, but it turned into a vehicle for limiting the freedoms of religious and non-profit groups that seek government contracts,” said Mullin. “I could not vote for the bill after the Maloney amendment was adopted.”

Mullin had offered an amendment to H.R. 5055 that would prohibit the Obama Administration from proposing or finalizing any major regulation between November 8, 2016, and January 20, 2017. A regulation is considered “major” when it will cost the U.S. economy $100 million or more annually.

Mullin’s amendment to H.R. 5055 was adopted unanimously.

“I was happy that my colleagues agreed that we must protect Americans from any politically motivated regulations this president may attempt to issue after election day, but I was disappointed that politics got in the way of passing this important amendment through the House,” Mullin added.

H.R. 5055 failed by a vote of 112-305.

###