[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 101 (Thursday, June 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1620
                         WOMEN IN THE MILITARY

  (Ms. HOULAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a veteran of the United 
States Air Force on this national Women Veterans Day to tell Secretary 
Hegseth and President Trump that women who raise their hand and swear 
an oath to protect and defend this Nation are not going anywhere and we 
will not be silent.
  From the earliest days of our Nation, women have always served, both 
officially and unofficially, facing off against America's enemies. 
Today, women make up nearly 18 percent of the Active-Duty force and 22 
percent of our National Guard and Reserve.
  Studies prove that their service improves innovation and mission 
outcomes, making our military stronger, smarter, and more prepared to 
face the challenges of modern warfare.
  The administration's artificial barriers on who can lead and who can 
serve are disrespectful and irresponsible. Firing and pushing aside 
decorated female leaders who earned their positions diminishes military 
readiness and devalues the standards and integrity of the very military 
itself.
  Women in our military are not insignificant or inconsequential. We 
are indeed essential, and we cannot be pushed out or erased.

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