Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, the numbers of those willing to serve in the military are now down over 30 percent. The military's sole purpose is to provide for the defense of our great Nation. Our military's focus should be the protection of the American people and our freedoms, not liberals' feelings. Therefore, my amendment would eliminate any offices of DEI, diversity, equity, and inclusion, in the Armed Forces and in the DOD. We should focus on diversity of ideas and opinions, not races and genders. DEI programs tend to be ineffective and cost the taxpayers more money, and it has been a very real detriment to the recruitment of our military. In short order, a woke military is a weak military. Woke ideology undermines military readiness in various ways. It undermines the cohesiveness by emphasizing differences based on race, ethnicity, and sex. It undermines leadership authority by introducing questions about whether a promotion is based on merit or quota requirements. It leads to military personnel serving in specialties and areas for which they are not qualified nor are they ready. It takes time and resources away from training activities and weapons development that contribute to readiness. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Virginia is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms.…”