Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Chair, as a proud member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take seriously my responsibility to ensure that our servicemembers get the support they need to keep our Nation safe. Once again, Republicans are pushing poison pill amendments into our bipartisan Defense bill focusing more on culture wars and division than on our national security.

This radical amendment would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at the Department of Defense and all personnel in those offices.

I shouldn't have to remind my Republican colleagues that diversity is our strength as a Nation. Inclusion is proven to be beneficial for military effectiveness, military readiness, and ultimately, our national security, yet my colleagues continue to fight our military leadership as they work to strengthen our Armed Forces.

In the midst of our military recruitment shortfalls, Republicans are focused on the wrong thing. They are busy telling our servicemembers and potential recruits that Congress does not value their background or lived experiences than recruiting the best and brightest to defend our country. This is not only harmful, but it is also hurtful. It is hurtful that our military recruitment, preparedness, and cohesiveness is at jeopardy and at stake. Our national security and our national defense deserves better.

Again this year, I am disappointed that we are considering amendments that poison legislation which would otherwise be bipartisan. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and let's get back to the business of being truly bipartisan when it comes to our National Defense Authorization Act.

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