May 05, 2017

Duckworth Statement on Army Secretary Nominee Mark Green

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released a statement today following President Trump's announcement that he will nominate Dr. Mark Green to be the Secretary of the U.S. Army:

"At a time when our Military and our nation face growing threats from foreign enemies, our Armed Forces cannot afford to turn away any capable and qualified servicemember. Confirming someone with Dr. Green's attitudes towards Muslim, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Americans would send the wrong message to brave and selfless Americans who simply wish to serve their nation," said Senator Duckworth. "It should not matter what religion you are or what your sexual orientation is when you join the military, only that you care deeply about this country and want to serve and defend it. I am grateful for Dr. Green's record of service but if he doesn't appreciate the importance of a diverse, inclusive Army, then he is not fit to lead it."

Green is a Republican State Senator from Tennessee who has made insensitive remarks about Muslims, called being transgender, "a disease," and supported legislation allowing for discrimination against LGBTQ Americans.