Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland has voiced concerns over recent military policy decisions, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion, nepotism, and the naming of military bases. In a series of posts on July 15 and 16, 2025, Strickland criticized members of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and highlighted her own legislative efforts.
On July 15, Strickland wrote, “These attacks on diversity and inclusion have never been about doing what’s best for our military. Shame that @HASCRepublicans can’t put politics aside to do what’s right for our security.”
Later that day, she addressed the issue of nepotism in military promotions. On July 16, she stated, “It’s obvious that nepotism shouldn’t be allowed in our military. @HASCRepublicans clearly don’t agree – they just blocked my amendment to only uplift the most qualified. Thinking like this is how we ended up with @SecDef Hegseth btw”
In a subsequent post on July 16, Strickland commented on a proposal to name military bases after Confederate leaders: “.@SecDef Hegseth and @POTUS want to name our military bases after Confederate leaders…WTF. @HASCDemocrats had to shut that down – glad that *almost* everyone agreed that honoring bigotry is wrong, and passed my amendment.”
The debate over diversity initiatives in the U.S. military has intensified in recent years as some lawmakers have pushed back against programs designed to promote inclusivity within the armed forces. Discussions around nepotism reflect ongoing concerns about fairness and meritocracy in leadership appointments. The controversy surrounding the naming of military installations after Confederate figures has also been part of broader national conversations about historical memory and public commemoration.
Strickland represents Washington’s 10th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
