Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise today in a unique position to oppose this bill, especially section 8146. I am proud to represent San Diego, the largest military community in the country. I am also proud to serve as one of the youngest Members of this body and the youngest woman on the House Committee on Armed Services. I am in a unique position to understand the importance of access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion and fertility care for our servicemembers and their dependents, because, as a young woman, reproductive care is my healthcare. That is the case for the 1.62 million women of reproductive age in the military health system, too, not to mention our LGBTQ+ servicemembers, who already have difficulty accessing necessary care. This care is essential to our health, well- being, freedom, economic security, and empowerment, and for our national security, too. That is why I am thankful for DOD's policy that covers the travel and transportation costs for abortion and fertility care, a policy that is consistent with the law. This is so important now that nearly half of all servicewomen are stationed in States with abortion restrictions because our servicemembers have little say in where they are stationed. They can't freely take days off work, and many can't afford to travel thousands of miles and pay out of pocket to receive the care they need and deserve. DOD's policy took important steps to address those barriers and make our military more accessible and inclusive.…”