Hoyer Statement Calling for Withdrawal of Nomination of Mark Green as Army Secretary

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today calling for the withdrawal of President Trump's nomination of Mark Green to be the next Secretary of the Army:

“I strongly urge President Trump to withdraw Mark Green as his nominee for Army Secretary. The civilian leaders the President selects to oversee our military set the tone for the men and women of our Armed Forces and how they are expected to behave.  Appointing someone with a clear record of homophobia and transphobia, who has made disgusting statements demeaning toward groups of Americans, would send the absolute wrong signal about the values for which our military service members are risking their lives. 

“What message would such an individual’s appointment send to the courageous LGBT Americans proud to serve their nation in uniform and who are doing so every day with distinction?  What kind of message would it send to the world, particularly nations like Russia where LGBT individuals are routinely repressed?  Our military cannot be strong unless its values are strong and adhere to the vision of inclusion and the equal opportunity to serve.”