Representative Heather Wilson: “I rise in support of H.R. 4714, a bill to prohibit members of the Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia from being required or…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4714, a bill to prohibit members of the Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia from being required or formally or informally compelled to wear the abaya garment. I commend my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee--Mr. Langevin and Mr. Hostettler for their perseverance on this issue and for bringing this bill to the floor today. This legislation will end a Defense Department policy affecting servicewomen stationed in Saudi Arabia. It is a sad commentary that this legislation is needed at all. This policy should not have been implemented in the first place; it should have been changed rapidly when it was brought to the attention of senior commanders and the Pentagon; and the revised policy is also flawed. This bill would have been part of the Defense Authorization bill this year, and it may be incorporated into that legislation in conference committee. It is my hope that the Defense Department won't wait to be forced to do the right thing. Our vote tonight is to send a message to the Defense Department loud and clear: your policy requiring or strongly encouraging servicewomen stationed in Saudi Arabia to wear the abaya is without merit and is offensive to the American people. You need to change it, or the Congress will change it for you. Mr. Speaker, those who choose to serve our country, regardless of gender, should be treated with respect by their commanders.”