Rep. Cisneros leads bicameral letter to promote diversity and inclusion at the Department of Defense

Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39), member of the House Armed Services Committee and 10-year Navy veteran, co-led a bicameral letter with Representatives Anthony Brown (MD-04), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Deb Haaland (NM-01), Katie Hill (CA-25), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Andy Kim (NJ-03), and Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), which was sent to the Chairpersons and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees as they begin conference negotiations on the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In the letter, the Members and Senators assert that diversity and inclusion is a strategic imperative that must be prioritized, especially at a time when the military services are facing a shrinking recruiting pool. Improving access to a wide a range of talented individuals is critical to our military readiness an overall national security strategy. Additionally, preserving diversity across our military supports creative problem solving and decision making and contributes to mutual understanding of other countries and cultures. The letter led by Congressman Cisneros is also co-signed by: Brenda Lawrence (MI-14),