Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues often blame the military's current recruitment crisis on DEI initiatives. They say the military is becoming too woke and that it is driving away recruits.

The only problem with that is that the survey data we have actually says the exact opposite. It says that what recruits are concerned about is being welcomed into an organization that will accept who they are.

With this anti-abortion policy, Republicans are effectively telling 50 percent of America and 20 percent of our current fighting force: You are not welcome here because of who you are.

If you are a White guy, you are probably fine. If you are a woman, sorry, you are a second-class citizen. You don't have the healthcare options that the rest of us have.

It is no wonder that every branch except the Marine Corps is struggling to meet recruitment goals.

Instead of seriously focusing on how we deter a war with China, we are having politically motivated debates in this Chamber over a woman's private healthcare decisions.

What my Republican colleagues won't say is that the DOD's abortion travel policy does not even pay for this medical care. It doesn't even pay for it. It simply allows a woman who has put her life on the line for our country the necessary leave if she is stationed in a State where abortions are not available.

I voted against the NDAA because it doesn't support our servicemembers. It makes them political pawns. It is a slap in the face to every woman who serves or might consider it in the future. We need to treat women with the respect they deserve for serving our country.

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