WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after Representative Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) announced that she will retire at the end of the 117th Congress following more than ten years of service in the House of Representatives and more than three decades in elected office.
“Congresswoman Jackie Speier has served Californians, our men and women in uniform, and all Americans with selfless honor and distinction as a Member of Congress and as a valued member of the House Armed Services Committee.
“As Chair of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Congresswoman Speier has advocated tirelessly for solutions to some of the biggest issues facing our country’s service members and their families, especially reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to address the scourge of sexual assault in our military. Her work on improving safe and affordable military housing, expanding parental leave and child care across the military, and supporting LGBTQ+ service members and veterans has strengthened our national security while honoring our highest values as a country.
“I cannot thank Congresswoman Speier enough for her courage and leadership on these and other issues facing the Committee, and I applaud her selfless work on behalf of U.S. service members and all Americans. Those of us who call Jackie a friend will miss her in Congress, but we wish her and her loved ones all the best, no matter what comes next.”
“Congresswoman Jackie Speier has served Californians, our men and women in uniform, and all Americans with selfless honor and distinction as a Member of Congress and as a valued member of the House Armed Services Committee.
“As Chair of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Congresswoman Speier has advocated tirelessly for solutions to some of the biggest issues facing our country’s service members and their families, especially reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to address the scourge of sexual assault in our military. Her work on improving safe and affordable military housing, expanding parental leave and child care across the military, and supporting LGBTQ+ service members and veterans has strengthened our national security while honoring our highest values as a country.
“I cannot thank Congresswoman Speier enough for her courage and leadership on these and other issues facing the Committee, and I applaud her selfless work on behalf of U.S. service members and all Americans. Those of us who call Jackie a friend will miss her in Congress, but we wish her and her loved ones all the best, no matter what comes next.”
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