Virginia Foxx: “I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. NASCAR is a vital part of the National Guard's…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. NASCAR is a vital part of the National Guard's outreach to young Americans. NASCAR fans between the age of 18 and 34 are twice as likely as their peers to consider the military. Their fellow fans are more likely to support their friends and family members choosing the military as a career option. Advertising through NASCAR gives the military a cost-effective way to reach 75 million patriotic fans. That's why it is has reported a 3-to-1 return on the program's investment. NASCAR support of the military goes beyond mere sponsorship opportunities. NASCAR holds swearing in ceremonies for hundreds of new recruits each year, giving the fans a real-life example of the patriotism they support. NASCAR is a real part of hundreds of American communities. The National Guard has chosen to use its limited recruiting budget through the means it feels are most effective. We should not force it to turn its back on a proven means of leveraging that budget and introducing millions of potential heros to their opportunity to serve. I urge my fellow Americans to oppose this amendment and thank the chairman for the opportunity to speak.”