Announcement By the Acting Chair

Floor Speech

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Ms. BROWNLEY. Mr. Chair, this year marks 50 years since our country stopped drafting citizens into service and began instituting an all- volunteer force. Unfortunately, today's military is facing significant recruitment challenges. That can be detrimental to the security of our great Nation.

Seeking to limit the reproductive rights and freedom of America's servicewomen only exacerbates the issue. Why would a woman who takes an oath to defend our Nation do so when House Republicans stand in this Chamber attacking their bodily autonomy?

Today, women make up about 20 percent of our Armed Forces, and our military is stronger because of their contribution. It is important to note that servicewomen experience higher unintended pregnancy rates than their civilian counterparts, largely due to limited access to contraceptive services and the inexcusable high degree of sexual assault.

It is an appalling reality that nearly one in four female servicemembers have reported sexual harassment during their careers. That my Republican colleagues would force a woman raped by her superior to pay for her own travel to access abortion care is beyond appalling.

This amendment is a shameful politicization of our military, and it is using our servicemembers as pawns in an ideological debate.

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