Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith today released the following statement recognizing Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez’s service on the committee. She currently serves as Ranking Member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee and a senior member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. She has also served as Chairwoman on the Subcommittee of Emerging Threats and Capabilities and a senior member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. 

“I’d like to recognize and honor Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez’s service to the Armed Services Committee for almost twenty years. As the highest-ranking female on this committee and founder of the Women in the Military Caucus, she’s been a leading advocate for women’s ability to serve in the military in all capacities, for gender-specific health care for all servicewomen, and for steps to put a stop to the sexual assault epidemic in the military, such as increased accountability for commanders.

She has always prioritized the well-being and safety of our troops. Congresswoman Sanchez has worked for servicemembers to receive the most effective protective gear and provided oversight over DoD’s major ground and air systems. She has fought to secure funding for DOD’s Small Business Innovation & Research program, in order to encourage innovation and sustain the defense industrial base. And Congresswoman Sanchez understands the importance of bipartisanship and is always willing to ask tough questions. Her experience and expertise will be missed.”