Peter Visclosky: “I appreciate the gentleman yielding, and I do appreciate the gentlewoman's concerns. Mr. Speaker, I would begin my…”

“I appreciate the gentleman yielding, and I do appreciate the gentlewoman's concerns. Mr. Speaker, I would begin my remarks by saying the United States military is a very special place. Only about 30 percent of young Americans between 17 and 24 are eligible to join the military. Others are not because of educational issues, because of health issues, and other circumstances. It is clear we have to make an investment in society. But having said that, this is a special place and we ought to cast a very broad net to encourage young Americans to serve their country in the military, especially those--I would point out, living in Gary, Indiana--in disadvantaged communities, many of which don't even know that opportunity exists. The gentlewoman is concerned about abuses, and I share that concern, and I think Mr. Calvert certainly does. We have seen abuses--setting the issue of technology aside--with recruiters making false promises. That is why we have controls in place. That is why those people are punished. That is why we have Congressional oversight. Mr. Speaker, I do understand the criticism of younger people viewing esports channels. The ArmyEsports team Twitch channel has been set to 18-plus since August of 2019. I would grant that it is difficult in many instances to verify age online, and I do find recent media reports on the ArmyEsports team in the banning of commentators concerning.…”