Since taking office, the Biden Administration has not permitted fireworks displays at Mount Rushmore for Independence Day, citing apparent harm caused by fireworks to water and air quality, which in turn can cause health problems. Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) did not see it that way in a recent Fox News appearance, calling the fireworks ban an example of the Biden Administration's apparent "anti-American sentiment."
.@RepMillsPress shares his reaction to the Biden Administration denying fireworks at Mount Rushmore for a third year straight.https://t.co/kjX1oaNsgH
— Fox & Friends First (@FoxFriendsFirst) July 3, 2023
Rep. Mills called the rationale for banning fireworks "disappointing," since Independence Day is a holiday for all Americans.
"It is really disappointing that the Biden Administration continues to demonstrate this anti-American kind of sentiment and their inability to recognize that this is not a partisan holiday we're getting ready to celebrate. This isn't a Democrat or Republican holiday, this is an American holiday. This is our Fourth of July, our independence. This is what we fought for, this is what we sit for," said Rep. Mills.
Additionally, he described a recent visit to various Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) bases, where celebrations of Independence Day were already starting.
"I just came back last night from a trip to INDOPACOM to meet with our Naval commanders out in Hawaii, and I went out to Guam, I went out to Japan, I went out to Okinawa, and I went out to Taiwan. These are Americans who are really already celebrating on July 2nd," Mills continued.
Moreover, Mills suggested the ban on fireworks at Mount Rushmore was motivated by political partisanship, as South Dakota is a deep-red state, adding, "If it would have been a celebration for Pride Day, I can guarantee they would move heaven and earth in an effort to try and make sure that we launched as many fireworks as possible."
"I can guarantee you this: if it would have been a celebration for Pride Day, I can guarantee they would move heaven and earth in an effort to try and make sure that we launched as many fireworks as possible, but not for Independence Day in a mostly-red state. So I think that once again this is the Biden Administration's anti-American sentiment," Mills concluded.
The conversation shifted to the exemption of military academies from the Supreme Court's recent repealing of affirmative action, where Mills echoed his colleague Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL), saying diversity initiatives should not matter in a meritocratic institution such as the military.
