Rob Andrews: “I thank my friend for yielding. Nothing in this amendment in any way impairs the relationship between a Christian or…”

“I thank my friend for yielding. Nothing in this amendment in any way impairs the relationship between a Christian or Jewish or other soldier or servicemember and his or her faith leader. Nothing. Nothing in this amendment impairs the operation of the Chaplain Corps. What this amendment does is to show respect for the choices made by our servicemembers. My Christianity is an important part of who I am and how I see my life. I don't think that that same right should be denied to a servicemember who does not share my beliefs. What this amendment says is that, for the thousands of servicemembers who choose a humanist or atheistic philosophy system of life, that they should be able to confide in an adviser who is not a mental health professional. Going to a mental health professional is a choice that's laden with risk and some controversy for a member of the service. Going to a faith adviser is not. Depriving those who share the views that Mr. Polis outlined of the chance to go to such an adviser is unequal treatment. It's unworthy of the way we operate. Nothing in this amendment disrupts the Chaplain Corps, but everything in this amendment respects the rights of our servicemembers. I would urge a ``yes'' vote. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman's time has expired. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, how much time do we have remaining? The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California has 1\3/4\ minutes remaining. Mr. McKEON. I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr.…”