Jane Harman: “In the Subcommittee on Military Forces and Personnel on which I and several of us who have testified for my amendment…”

“In the Subcommittee on Military Forces and Personnel on which I and several of us who have testified for my amendment serve, four service personnel chiefs, commissioned officers, testified that they do not need a change in current law. In addition to that, the Undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness, Edwin Dorn, has sent a letter in support of my amendment, and I would just like to quote from part of it. The number of Service members with permanent medical conditions that restrict their assignments is small-- typically around two-tenths of a percent of the active force. Although these members cannot serve at certain locations, they are experienced, qualified and able to perform their required duties. They represent a considerable investment in training and an invaluable experienced resource. We developed our personnel and assignment policies to support our national objectives while providing fair treatment to the men and women who serve our nation. Your amendment provides Service Secretaries with the needed flexibility that allows us to get the greatest contribution from each of our Service members and to continue our long and proud tradition of taking care of our own. Mr. Chairman, once again, I urge support and passage of my amendment.”