The media storm around Rush Limbaugh’s vile attacks on Sandra Fluke has subsided, but I’m continuing to work on making sure this type of language isn’t being subsidized or promoted by the United States government. Rush is currently on the schedule of the American Forces Radio Network, which is heard by service members around the world. The network offers a variety of programming across the political spectrum, and it plays a vital role in keeping our servicemen and women connected to life at home.
Maintaining this resource is important, but so is making sure government-sponsored programming isn’t in opposition to the values the military is defending. We should not be censoring speech as we fight for it around the world, nor should we be promoting bullies who use the public airwaves to demonize a woman who dares to express a differing opinion on an issue. How much credibility can we have as we denounce the poor treatment of women in the Middle East, when we broadcast—and thus subsidize--someone who calls a woman a “slut” and a “prostitute” for her testimony before Congress? What moral authority do we have when we enable Rush Limbaugh to slander her by saying she should make internet sex tapes because she uses contraception for medical reasons? If the radio network that broadcasts his show is comfortable with his commentary, then that is their decision, but the Defense Department should explain why taxpayer money is supporting such programming.
My bill (HR 4189) would require the Secretary of Defense to come before Congress on an annual basis and verify that the programming on the Armed Forces Television and Radio Networks is in line with the values our armed services are defending, including free speech and civil rights. One of the most troubling statistics coming out of the military relates to sexual assaults and the culture that allows it to go on in alarming numbers, many times unreported. The increase in the rates of sexual assault against women in the military, along with the Department’s slow response in overturning long outdated policies preventing women from sharing the same opportunities to serve as men show that there are ongoing problems with gender issues in the military, and comments like Rush Limbaugh’s only reinforce these concerns.
I am currently soliciting co-sponsors among my colleagues in Congress. The goal of the legislation is simple: to improve conditions for our men and women in uniform, and to ensure our taxpayer dollars are not undermining the goals of the military. I hope I can count on your support.
