[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 5 (Friday, January 8, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATIONS TO BRIGADIER GENERAL DIANA HOLLAND

  (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Brigadier General Diana Holland for becoming the first 
female commandant at West Point.
  I believe Brigadier General Holland's appointment comes at a very 
pivotal time in U.S. history, when the military pursues to fully 
integrate women into the military.
  Last month, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced his and the 
services' decision to open all units to women. This decision would not 
only open 220,000 jobs for women that were previously closed to them, 
but it would also open the doors for more women to rise in the chain of 
command. I believe that we need that to happen in our military.
  Servicewomen have bravely served our country in and out of combat. 
Finally, we will be giving them the recognition that they deserve. No 
longer will archaic policies limit the potential of capable and 
qualified servicewomen.
  The talent and determination of our servicewomen will continue to 
strengthen our Nation's military, and I am proud to stand behind them.

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