Announcement By the Acting Chair

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment.

Like so many of the Republican amendments that were shockingly made in order, this is yet another tragic attempt to gut DOD of any efforts to increase diversity and decrease extremism.

Let me be clear: This provision will only hurt our national security and readiness. Some 41 percent of our military members are minorities, and that number will continue to grow. So it is unbelievable to me why my colleagues across the aisle are so opposed to ensuring that nearly half of our servicemen and -women feel seen, heard, and supported as they defend our country.

As we continue to face recruitment and retention challenges, we should be using every tool in the toolbox to recruit the best and the brightest. That means recruiting people of diverse backgrounds.

As a Black woman standing before you today, hear me when I say that this amendment is as harmful as it is hurtful.

We simply should not have to defend why diversity is our Nation's strength and yet, here we are. It is maddening, and it is dangerous.

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